de Quervain disease, also known as de Quervain tenosynovitis, is a common and painful condition of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, which contains 2 tendons: the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). Despite its name, the condition is usually not an inflammatory process.

Causes / typical injury mechanism: Most commonly due to overuse activities or heavy gripping, eg, household duties, typing, lifting, golfing, racket sports, or skiing.

Classic history and presentation: Gradual onset of pain on the radial side of the wrist, worsened when grasping, lifting, or ulnar deviating.

Prevalence:

• Age – Most prevalent in middle age.
• Sex / gender – 4-6 times more common in women than men.
• Laterality – The dominant hand is most often affected.

Risk factors: Pregnancy, nonwhite race, and repeated ulnar deviation.

Pathophysiology: Due to narrowing of the fibro-osseous canal within the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, the APL and EPB are unable to glide smoothly, resulting in pain. This resistance is due to a fibroblastic response secondary to repetitive tension on the involved tendons.