Hand Flashcards
What is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis? Describe its pathophysiology
What causes this?
Inflammation of the tendon sheaths in the wrist, most commonly affecting the:
- Abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon
- Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon
It is a type of repetitive strain injury
Describe the typical clinical presentation of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Pain (radial side of wrist)
- There may also be associated weakness/numbness
What is “trigger finger”? Describe its pathophysiology
What is this also known as?
Inflammation of the tendon sheaths in the fingers, affecting finger flexion and extension
AKA stenosing tenosynovitis
Describe the typical clinical presentation of trigger finger
- Pain (affected finger)
- “Catching”/finger getting stuck during flexion/extension
Describe the conservative, medical and interventional management of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Conservative:
- Rest
- Splinting
Medical:
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injection
Interventional:
- Surgery
Describe the conservative, medical and interventional management of trigger finger
Conservative:
- Rest
- Splinting
Medical:
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injection
Interventional:
- Surgery
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel
Give some examples of risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Autoimmune conditions, e.g. hypothyroidism, RA
- Acromegaly
Describe the typical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome
Pain/paraesthesia, weakness and wasting affecting the median nerve distribution (thumb + lateral 2 and a half fingers)
Which two special tests can be used to detect carpal tunnel syndrome on examination?
- Tinel’s test
- Phalen’s test
Describe the conservative, medical and interventional management of carpal tunnel syndrome
Conservative:
- Rest
- Splinting
Medical:
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injections
Interventional:
- Surgery
What is a ganglion cyst?
Sac of synovial fluid which originates from tendon sheath or joint
Describe the typical presentation of a ganglion cyst
Firm, painless lump which may appear rapidly or gradually
How are ganglion cysts usually managed?
Conservatively (intervention to remove the cyst has a high rate of recurrence)