De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Question 1

What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Answer 1

Swelling and inflammation of the tendon sheaths in the wrist

Question 2

What tendons are primarily affected in De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Answer 2

Abductor Pollicis Longus
Extensor Pollicis Brevis

Question 3

Why can De Quervain’s sometimes be called “mummy thumb”

Answer 3

Repetitively lifting new-born babies that causes stress to the tendons

Question 4

Where do the APL and EPB tendons insert?

Answer 4

APL
Base of the first metacarpal bone

EPB
Base of the proximal phalanx

Question 5

What are the functions of APL and EPB?

Answer 5

Abduct the thumb and wrist

Question 6

What are tendon sheaths formed by and what do they contain?

Answer 6

Synovial membrane
Filled with synovial fluid

Question 7

Which side of the wrist do you find the extensor retinaculum?

Answer 7

Dorsal side

Question 8

How does De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis present?

Answer 8

Symptoms at radial aspect of the wrist

Pain
Aching
Burning
Weakness
Numbness
Tenderness

Question 9

What special test is used for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Answer 9

Eichoff’s test

Thumb gripped inside fingers and wrist adducted

Question 10

What is the management of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

Answer 10

Rest

Splints- restricts movement

Analgesia

Physiotherapy

Steroid injections

Question 11

What can surgery be used for in De Quervain’s?

Answer 11

Cut the extensor retinaculum to release pressure and create more space for tendons