'The side of my wrist hurts': De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radial-sided wrist pain is a common patient complaint that can have a dramatic effect on the patient's productivity at work, sporting or artistic pursuits and activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to outline key principles in the assessment and treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. DISCUSSION: The correct diagnosis of this debilitating tendon condition and the seeking of early treatment yields excellent outcomes for patients. While there are numerous possible aetiologies, the pathophysiology is defined as a stenosing condition of the first dorsal compartment. Assessment elicits pain over the radial styloid that is caused by the restricted glide of the tendons. Ultrasonography has been shown to be useful in diagnosis and treatment planning, especially if an intercompartmental septum is present. Treatment involves corticosteroid injections and orthoses prescriptions. These should not be used in isolation; many other therapy techniques have been shown to be effective in the management of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.