De Quervain's tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a tendon entrapment condition involving the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which become restricted within the first dorsal compartment.

The etiology and pathogenesis of de Quervain's tenosynovitis are unknown, though repetietive movements and overuse have been proposed as contributing factors. Non-inflammatory thickening of the tendons and swelling of the tendon sheaths leads to impaired gliding of the tendins through the first dorsal compartment.

The incidence of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is estimated at 2.8 per 1,000 person-years in women and 0.6 per 1,000 person-years in men among military personnel in the US. The prevalence in the general population in the United Kingdom is estimated at 1.3% in women and 0.5% in men.

Risk factors for de Quervain's tenosynovitis include overuse, repetitive movements, certain activities and occupations involving strenuous wrist use, such as hammering, as well as pregnancy and the postpartum period (lifting and holding an infant).

Most patients with de Quervain's tenosynovitis present with persistent wrist pain and swelling over the first extensor dorsal compartment, which may radiate to the thumb and forearm. The pain is typically worsened by thumb or wrist movement, particularly during thumb abduction, extension, or ulnar and radial deviation, and is relieved with rest.