Which test is used to diagnose De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

Which test is used to diagnose De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

• A. Phalen's test
• B. Tinel sign
• C. Finkelstein's test
• D. Ober sign

Answer: (C)

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation and narrowing of the first dorsal wrist compartment where the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons glide. The best way to confirm this clinically is a provocative test that directly loads that tendon sheath. In this test, the patient tucks the thumb into the palm, making a fist, and the wrist is then bent toward the little finger side (ulnar deviation). If this maneuver reproduces sharp pain over the radial side of the wrist near the first dorsal compartment, the test is positive and supports the diagnosis. The reason this test is used is that it specifically stresses the tendons involved in De Quervain's, so it accurately localizes the source of pain. Other common tests target different conditions: Phalen's and Tinel signs assess carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression) and would not reliably confirm De Quervain's; the Ober test evaluates iliotibial band tightness at the knee, which is not related to the wrist.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation and narrowing of the first dorsal wrist compartment where the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons glide. The best way to confirm this clinically is a provocative test that directly loads that tendon sheath. In this test, the patient tucks the thumb into the palm, making a fist, and the wrist is then bent toward the little finger side (ulnar deviation). If this maneuver reproduces sharp pain over the radial side of the wrist near the first dorsal compartment, the test is positive and supports the diagnosis.

The reason this test is used is that it specifically stresses the tendons involved in De Quervain's, so it accurately localizes the source of pain. Other common tests target different conditions: Phalen's and Tinel signs assess carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression) and would not reliably confirm De Quervain's; the Ober test evaluates iliotibial band tightness at the knee, which is not related to the wrist.