Question

multiple choice question
a 35 - year - old female presents with pain and swelling at the base of her thumb, which is exacerbated by activities involving grasping and pinching. on physical examination, there is tenderness over the radial styloid process, and finkelsteins test elicits sharp pain with ulnar deviation of the wrist. which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
please select your answer...
a carpal tunnel syndrome
b trigger finger
c de quervains tenosynovitis
d cubital tunnel syndrome

Explanation:

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by pain and swelling at the base of the thumb (radial styloid process area). Activities like grasping and pinching exacerbate the symptoms. Finkelstein's test (ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb clenched in the fist) is a key diagnostic maneuver for this condition.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves median nerve compression (paresthesia in the hand, especially the palmar side of the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger).
• Trigger finger is related to the flexor tendons of the fingers (a catching or locking sensation when bending/extending the finger).
• Cubital tunnel syndrome is about ulnar nerve compression at the elbow (paresthesia in the ulnar - innervated areas of the hand).

Answer:

C. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis