[Tendinitis and tenosynovitis of the wrist]

Tendinitis and tenosynovitis of the wrist are often encountered in daily medical practice. This frequency is due to the long course of the tendons over the wrist, to the role played by these tendons in the mobilization and stabilization of that joint and to overuse of the hand in daily life as well as in professional and sporting activities. In their common form tendinitis and tenosynovitis are benign and episodic diseases which may present under two aspects: straightforward tenosynovitis with exsudation, crepitus, stenosis or adhesion, and tendinitis at the sites of attachment. In certain cases the condition is specific and of infectious or inflammatory origin. The diagnosis is based on questioning and on the demonstration, during examination, of a symptomatic triad characterized by resurgence of pain at palpation, inducement of passive tension of the tendon, and resisted muscular contraction. Treatment is based on local injections of corticosteroids and rest. Surgery is seldom indicated.