Diagnosis of de Quervain tenosynovitis
The diagnosis of de Quervain tenosynovitis is usually made clinically on history and physical examination. People present with pain in the region of the radial styloid, which is exacerbated by movements of the thumb and ulnar deviation of the wrist. Tenderness is often felt in the area of the affected tendons and both local swelling and crepitus may be found. A Finkelstein test1 usually reproduces the pain.
Investigations are generally not required for diagnosis, but an ultrasound scan may be useful if there is diagnostic uncertainty or to exclude a tendon tearAllbrook, 2019.
1 The Finkelstein test is a provocative test for diagnosis of de Quervain tenosynovitis. The person actively flexes the thumb maximally and wraps the fingers over thumb, making a fist. The person then ulnar-deviates the wrist. The test is positive if pain is reproduced in the extensor compartment of the wrist.Return