Introduction
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon sheath and the tendons of the first extensor tunnel, extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) & abductor pollicis longus (APL). However, additional research has characterized De Quervain’s as more highly associated with a thickening of the tendon sheath and connective tissue degeneration rather than inflammatory changes.1 A study was conducted to prove that de Quervain’s does not involve inflammation and has histopathological findings similar to those of other tendinopathies such as fibrocartilagenous metaplasia, deposition of mucopolysaccharide,2 and neovascularization.
De Quervain’s may also be known as “washer woman’s syndrome” or “blackberry thumb” due to the repetitive actions of washing clothes by hand and texting respectively, that may exacerbate the condition. These tendons become inflamed as they pass through the extensor retinaculum at the first dorsal compartment likely due to thickening of the tendon sheath. 3 …show more content…
This may be due to the repetitive action of picking up children and increased tendon angulation in females. Other reasons for exacerbation of De Quervain’s includes acute injuries to the first extensor tunnel such as falling on an outstretched hand or a violent twist of the wrist and thumb while pulling an object. Most of the time however, it is caused by repetitive or sustained thumb abduction and wrist radial deviation. Examples of these provocative activities may include opening jars, cutting with scissors, texting, typing, playing the piano wringing out towels, picking up children and even fishing.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon sheath and the tendons of the first extensor tunnel, extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) & abductor pollicis longus (APL). However, additional research has characterized De Quervain’s as more highly associated with a thickening of the tendon sheath and connective tissue degeneration rather than inflammatory changes.1 A study was conducted to prove that de Quervain’s does not involve inflammation and has histopathological findings similar to those of other tendinopathies such as fibrocartilagenous metaplasia, deposition of mucopolysaccharide,2 and neovascularization.
De Quervain’s may also be known as “washer woman’s syndrome” or “blackberry thumb” due to the repetitive actions of washing clothes by hand and texting respectively, that may exacerbate the condition. These tendons become inflamed as they pass through the extensor retinaculum at the first dorsal compartment likely due to thickening of the tendon sheath. 3 …show more content…
This may be due to the repetitive action of picking up children and increased tendon angulation in females. Other reasons for exacerbation of De Quervain’s includes acute injuries to the first extensor tunnel such as falling on an outstretched hand or a violent twist of the wrist and thumb while pulling an object. Most of the time however, it is caused by repetitive or sustained thumb abduction and wrist radial deviation. Examples of these provocative activities may include opening jars, cutting with scissors, texting, typing, playing the piano wringing out towels, picking up children and even fishing.