De-quervains

De-quervains

First describe by swiss surgeon de quervains in 1895.


It is a painful condition of the wrist joint due to inflammation of extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus tendon and it is characterized by pain and swelling all over the radial styloid process.


It is also known as New mother wrist, black berry thumb and gamer's thumb,Mommy's thumb, washerman's thumb.

Inflammation of tendons can increase pressure on nerves and cause symptoms like numbness, paresthesia on the dorsal aspect of the hand.


Epidemiology

More common in females 


Causes-

Unknown

Mostly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis.

otherwise ganglion,lymphedema, chronic overuse and pregnancy


Risk factor

Hand activities like golfing.

Carpentry using hammers

ringing activities tennis,, grasping, playing video games


Clinical features-

Pain (dorso- lateral aspect of wrist)

Swelling( radial styloid process and snuff box)

Pain during thumb extension and abduction.

Tenderness over radial styloid

Nodular swelling over radial styloid

Weakness, numbness, paresthesia.


Differential diagnosis

Osteoarthritis (carpometacarpal joint)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Trigger finger 

Radial styloid fracture

Radial neuritis


Diagnosis

Physical examination

Tenderness

Swelling

Painful movement( in thumb  extension and abduction and ulnar deviation)


Treatment-

Conservative-

Provide test

Forearm to thumb splint

Activity modification

Avoid repetitive stress

Corticosteroids

Ice packs(for swelling)


Surgical management-

Rarely surgery

Surgery

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