Entrapment and inflammation of the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, which lie within the first extensor compartment of the wrist
Clinical features
Pain at the radial side of the wrist which is worsened by use of the thumb or wrist
Pain may limit activities of daily living such as opening jars
Examination
Pain on palpation of the radial styloid
Finklestein test is positive - the thumb is flexed and the wrist is aDducted, reproducing pain along the radial wrist
Figure 235: Finklestein test. James Heilman, MD, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Management
Nonsurgical Treatment
Splints
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be required if symptoms are severe / do not improve with conservative management - Surgical release of the tendon sheath to make more room for the tendons.
