DeQuervain’s Tenovaginitis

Fig. A Showing swelling of the tendons of the thumb

What is this condition?

DeQuervain’s Tenovaginitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the thumb, at the wrist region. This is often the result of a tightening and thickening of the tendon sheaths where these tendon run. See Fig.A

 

 

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Patients with this problem usually feel an aching pain around the wrist area. The pain can sometimes radiate up the forearm. Those who are prone to this condition include women late in their pregnancy or in the immediate post partum period, who engage in unaccustomed wrist activities. Difficulties with carrying babies or pouring from a pot are common complaints. Other activities associated with the condition are repetitive movements of the thumb, such as those involved with typing on a computer keyboard.

Fig. B Thumb splint

What are the treatment options

Patients with mild symptoms can be treated with abstinence of activities that aggravate the condition and rest with a thumb splint. See Fig.B.

 

 

 

 

If symptoms persist, a steroid and lignocaine injection may help reduce pain. In recalcitrant cases, surgery may be necessary to release or reconstruct the thickened tendon sheath.

Concomitant conditions such as osteoarthritis of the basal joint to the thumb, fracture of the radial styloid or inflammation or arthritis of the radial styloid can give rise to similar symptoms. Your doctor may order x-rays if these conditions are suspected.