De Quervain's tenosynovitis

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing Finkelstein test
Finkelstein test

To diagnose de Quervain's tenosynovitis, your doctor likely will confirm that you have both:

  • Tenderness when pressure is applied on the thumb side of the wrist
  • Positive results on a Finkelstein test

In a Finkelstein test, you bend your thumb across the palm of your hand and bend your fingers down over your thumb. Then you bend your wrist toward your little finger. If this causes pain on the thumb side of your wrist, the test is considered positive.

References
  1. De Quervain's tendinitis (De Quervain's tendinosis). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00007. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  2. Sheon RP, et al. de Quervain's tenosynovitis.http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  3. Brady M. de Quervain's tenosynovitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2088/183.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00013-7--sc0045_3682. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  4. Ingari JV. Wrist and hand. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2079/38.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00020-8--s0350_2856. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  5. Wright PE. Stenosing tenosynovitis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-5/951919611/1584/566.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50076-3--cesec17_4013. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  6. Anderson BC. Evaluation of the patient with thumb pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
  7. Amadio PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 23, 2010.
DS00692 April 3, 2010

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