Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Practice
A high school football player injured his wrist in a game. He is tender between the two tendons at the base of the thumb. Which of the following should be considered?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the tendons located at the base of the thumb. The tendons affected are the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. It typically causes pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, which can worsen with certain movements of the wrist and thumb. In the case of the high school football player, his tenderness between the two tendons at the base of the thumb is suggestive of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. It is a common overuse injury in athletes, especially those involved in activities that require repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as gripping a football during play. Treatment usually involves rest, splinting, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.