Intermediate
Technical
IVT
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Pronunciation: duh-ker-VANZ
Painful inflammation of thumb tendons in the first dorsal compartment causing radial wrist pain.
Full Definition
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a stenosing tenosynovitis affecting the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons as they pass through the first dorsal compartment at the radial styloid. The condition causes pain along the radial border of the wrist that worsens with thumb movement. It is common in new mothers, people performing repetitive thumb motions, and following direct trauma. The Finkelstein test is diagnostic.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize De Quervain's as an eponym. Note apostrophe placement. Named after Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain.
In Context
- "Finkelstein test was positive, confirming De Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosis." — physical examination
- "Corticosteroid injection is effective for most cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis." — treatment guideline
Also known as
first dorsal compartment syndrome
radial styloid tenosynovitis
Don't confuse with
scaphoid fracture
radial nerve neuritis