MEDICAL PROCEDURES
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. This tendon is referred to as the extensor pollicus longus tendon.
What are symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis causes pain and tenderness at the side of the wrist beneath the base of the thumb. Sometimes there is slight swelling and redness in the area.
How is De Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosed?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is diagnosed based on the typical appearance, location of pain, and tenderness of the affected wrist. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is usually associated with pain when the thumb is folded across the palm and the fingers are flexed over the thumb as the hand is pulled away from the involved wrist area. (This is referred to as the Finklestein maneuver.)
How is De Quervain's tenosynovitis treated?
Treatments for De Quervain's tenosynovitis includes any combination of rest, splinting, ice, anti-inflammation medication, and/or cortisone injection . Cortisone injection is extremely effective and is generally the optimal treatment. Normal activity may be resumed within three weeks after an injection. Surgery is only rarely necessary and usually reserved for persisting inflammation after failure of at least one cortisone injection.
What is the outlook (prognosis) with De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
Excellent. The patient can generally return to full function. Sometimes bracing is used during future activities that involve repetitive wrist motion.
Medical Author: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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