clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
De Quervain's disease occurs more frequently in women. The age group usually affected is 30 to 50 year-olds.
The history often is of unaccustomed or excessive activity such as rose pruning. The patient complains of pain on the radial side of the wrist.
On examination, there may be swelling along the course of the thumb tendons. The tendon sheath may be thickened.
There is localised tenderness along the tendon sheath containing:
- extensor pollicis brevis
- abductor pollicis longus
The tenderness is most acute over the tip of the radial styloid.
Abduction of the thumb against resistance is painful. Finkelstein's test is positive.