De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Overview

• Condition involving pain on the thumb side of the wrist

• Pain worsens when moving the thumb and performing radial/ulnar deviation

• Is often caused from overuse

Symptoms

• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist

  • Especially when moving the thumb or performing radial/ulnar deviation

• Swelling near the base of the thumb

• Tenderness over the radial styloid

• Difficulty with tasks such as lifitng a child, opening jars, or gripping or pinching

Quiz Questions

1. Where is pain typically located in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

A. On the ulnar side of the wrist

B. On the thumb side of the wrist

C. In the center of the palm

D. At the elbow

2. What movement most commonly aggravates symptoms of De Quervain’s?

A. Thumb movement and radial/ulnar deviation

B. Finger extension

C. Elbow flexion

D. Supination of the forearm

3. Which compartment is involved in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

A. Second dorsal compartment

B. First dorsal compartment

C. Thenar compartment

D. Palmar compartment

4. What two tendons are involved in De Quervain’s?

A. Extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum

B. Flexor pollicis longus and abductor pollicis brevis

C. Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis

D. Flexor digitorum profundus and extensor indicis

5. What structure do the tendons in the first dorsal compartment rub against, contributing to inflammation?

A. Carpal tunnel

B. Extensor retinaculum

C. Annular pulley

D. Palmar aponeurosis

6. What orthosis is typically used to treat De Quervain’s?

A. Elbow immobilizer

B. Resting hand splint

C. Thumb spica orthosis

D. Dynamic MCP extension splint

7. Which population is especially at risk for developing De Quervain’s?

A. Teenagers who text frequently

B. Older adults with arthritis

C. Pregnant women and new mothers

D. People with carpal tunnel syndrome