Tenosynovitis Disorders of the Hand and Wrist

The diagnosis and treatment of patients with tenosynovitis disorders of the hand and wrist are complex and must take into account the heterogeneity and natural history of each condition. Although the goals of management are for the most part universal, the specific interventions and outcome measures used to reach these goals are wide ranging. This review serves to summarize some of the recent publications in the field of hand surgery that have made important contributions to our understanding and care of the patient with tenosynovitis. Updates in the field of hand surgery are constant, and the current level of evidence for the effectiveness of specific treatment modalities in patients with tenosynovitis of the hand and wrist was reviewed. We searched the PubMed database and identified clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and guidelines contributing important findings and knowledge to extensor and flexor compartment tenosynovitis of the hand and wrist. Our understanding of tenosynovitis disorders of the hand and wrist continues to grow and expand. Nevertheless, a paucity of randomized controlled trials and higher evidence research may contribute to the variability in current practices among providers. By elucidating these gaps, we can more purposefully delegate our time and resources into targeted areas of research and treatment. This review contains 10 figures, 1 table and 86 references. Key words: corticosteroid injection, de Quervain disease, hand/wrist pain, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, trigger finger