De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

inflammation of the tendons within the first extensor compartment of the wrist, resulting in wrist pain and swelling

these contain extenspr policis brevis and abductor pollicis longus

Question 2

what are the risk factors?

Answer 2

• age (30-50)
• female
• pregnancy

Question 3

what are the clinical features?

Answer 3

• pain near base of thumb
• associated swelling
• palpable thickening over tendon group

Question 4

what investigations are done?

Answer 4

a clinical diagnosis

can do a plain hand radiograph to exclude other diagnoses

Question 5

how can it be managed?

Answer 5

conservative = lifestyle advice and wrist splint

steroid injections can reduce swelling and pain

surgical decompression can be preformed if needed