DE QUERVAIN'S DISEASE: STENOSING TENOVAGINITIS AT THE RADIAL STYLOID PROCESS

Abstract

Twelve cases of stenosing tenovaginitis at the radial styloid process (de Quervain's disease), including two bilateral cases, are reviewed. These patients presented the typical symptoms of pain just proximal to the radial styloid process accompanied by limitation of abduction of the thumb. Many previous reports have emphasized the frequency of aberrant tendons in this region and have implied that such anomalies may play a part in the etiology of this disorder. In our cases aberrant tendons were not found. Pronounced thickening of the tendon sheaths was present at operation and accumulations of fluid resembling ganglion formation were frequently noticed. All forms of therapy except surgical excision of the involved tendon sheaths were largely ineffective. This surgical procedure was so simple and satisfactory that it is recommended as the treatment of choice. The diagnosis of de Quervain's disease is easily missed unless the examining physician constantly keeps it in mind.