De Quervains's Tenosynovitis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Swelling and inflammation of the tendon sheaths in the wristW

Question 2

Which tendons are usually affected?

Answer 2

Abductor pollicis longus
Extensor pollicis brevis

Question 3

What is mummy thumb

Answer 3

Bilateral De Quervains tenosynovitis due to new parents repetitively lifting newborn babies that stresses the tendons of the thumb

Question 4

How does it present

Answer 4

Sx at radial aspect of the wrist near the base of the thumb:
pain
aching
burning
weakness
numbness

Question 5

What is the special test for De Quervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 5

Finkelstein’s test:
- Pt makes fist with thumb inside fingers
- Wrist is adducted (ulner deviation)
- Pain at the radial aspect of wrist = positive test

Question 6

What is management of this?

Answer 6

Rest + adapting activities
Splints
Analgesia
Physio
Steroid injections
Surgery to release extensor retinaculum to create more space for the tendons