tenosynovitis
Pronunciation: ten-oh-sy-no-VY-tis
Inflammation of the synovial sheath surrounding tendons, commonly affecting hands and feet in pediatric inflammatory arthritis.
Full Definition
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane that surrounds and lubricates tendons as they pass through fibrous sheaths. In pediatric rheumatology, tenosynovitis frequently accompanies joint inflammation and may be the presenting feature of inflammatory arthritis. Common sites include finger flexor tendons, wrist extensors, and ankle tendons. Clinical signs include swelling along tendon paths, pain with movement, and occasionally triggering or locking of affected digits. Recognition of tenosynovitis is important as it indicates systemic inflammatory disease and requires similar treatment approaches to synovitis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from tendinitis, which involves the tendon itself rather than the surrounding synovial sheath.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed tenosynovitis of the finger flexor tendons with characteristic sausage-digit appearance." — Clinical examination note
- "MRI demonstrated extensive tenosynovitis affecting multiple tendon compartments in the wrist." — Imaging interpretation