Trigger thumb of de Quervain's disease

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• De Quervain's Disease typically affects the first dorsal compartment tendons.
• Trigger thumb is usually associated with other conditions, not De Quervain's Disease.

Observation:

• Two adult patients presented with trigger thumb symptoms.
• The trigger thumb was caused by stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon.
• The tendon triggered within a separate fibro-osseous tunnel in the first dorsal compartment.

Findings:

• This is the first reported adult case of trigger thumb associated with De Quervain's Disease.
• The extensor pollicis brevis tendon was implicated in triggering within a distinct tunnel.
• This presentation differs from typical De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Implications:

• Highlights a rare presentation of trigger thumb in adults.
• Suggests considering stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis brevis in De Quervain's Disease.
• Expands understanding of first dorsal compartment pathologies.