Time to Reconsider Occupation Induced De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: An Updated Review of Risk Factors

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is an attritional and degenerative condition affecting the wrist's first dorsal compartment.
• Stenosing inflammation of the tendon sheath characterizes DQT.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for reducing DQT prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate the existing literature on risk factors associated with De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• To categorize risk factors into anatomical, patient-related, and occupational aspects.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on De Quervain's tenosynovitis risk factors.
• Categorization of identified risk factors.

Main Results:

• Anatomical variations, including subcompartmentalization and multiple tendon slips of the abductor pollicus longus (APL) and extensor pollicus brevis (EPB) tendons, are linked to DQT.
• DQT is more prevalent in females, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• Current evidence does not directly link occupational activity as a cause of DQT, despite some organizational claims.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical predispositions and patient-specific factors like sex and reproductive status are significant risk factors for De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Further research may be needed to clarify the role of occupational factors.
• Understanding these factors can aid in clinical management and prevention strategies for DQT.