| Tenosynovitis develops when the inner (synovial) lining of the tendon sheath becomes injured or inflamed. It occurs most often in the hands, wrists, and elbows.
The inner synovial lining is separate from the fibrous outer sheath covering the tendon, and provides nourishment and lubrication to the tendon. Irritation to the synovial lining can be caused by injury, overuse, repetitive strain, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection.
Tenosynovitis often is classified as irritative or frictional when there is mild inflammation caused by overuse. In its acute stage, infectious tenosynovitis can create pus (purulent exudate), which compromises the space for the tendon even further. Bacterial causes of tenosynovitis include Neisseria gonorrhea, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pasteurella multocida (cat bites), Eikenella corrodens (human bites), and Mycobacterium in immunocompromised individuals.Risk: Individuals at risk for tenosynovitis of the upper extremities include carpenters, painters, welders, swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players. Although wrist tenosynovitis usually occurs in people who perform repetitive grasping or pinching motions with the thumb, it sometimes develops spontaneously in pregnant women. Individuals, such as runners, who engage in repetitive movements of the lower extremities, are at risk of tenosynovitis of the knee, ankle, and foot, but this type of tenosynovitis is less common. Women are more prone than men to irritative or frictional tenosynovitis.
Gonococcal tenosynovitis, a complication of gonorrhea, typically affects teenagers and young adults. Common sites of infection include the top (dorsum) of the hand, wrist, and ankle. Other types of infectious tenosynovitis may result from puncture wounds or lacerations, usually to the hands. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| History: A complete medical history should be obtained including recent trauma, history of sexually transmitted diseases, prior fractures or orthopedic surgery, underlying medical conditions (especially diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout), medications, allergies, and occupation. A description of repetitive activities is helpful.
Although specific symptoms vary according to the location of the affected tendon sheath, pain, swelling (edema), and restricted motion in the affected area are common complaints with tenosynovitis. Some individuals may notice a crackling or squeaking noise (crepitus) accompanying tendon use. Physical exam: Findings on examination are specific to the location of tenosynovitis. Careful observation and examination of the entire tendon sheath is crucial since infection can easily spread along tissue planes. The affected area may be fixed in slight flexion and the individual may report pain when touched (palpated) in the area over the involved tendon. In some cases, tendon thickening and nodularity can be palpated. There may also be decreased range of motion. In particularly painful cases, the involved joint may exhibit weakness, and the affected area may show redness (erythema), edema, and warmth to the touch. When tenosynovitis is caused by an infection, there may be additional systemic symptoms including rash and fever. Tests: Laboratory tests are not necessary for diagnosis, but if gout is suspected, uric acid levels may be evaluated. Tests for suspected infectious tenosynovitis may include a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and cultures. In some cases, fluid may be withdrawn (aspirated) from a swollen joint for further diagnostic evaluation.
X-rays are sometimes taken to rule out other pathology or to look for tendon calcifications. Although not usually necessary, MRI may be useful to visualize the irritated tendon. If nerve entrapment is also suspected, EMG and nerve conduction studies may be ordered for clarification. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Treatment usually begins with cessation of the activity that causes the pain. Individuals are often advised to wear a splint temporarily to avoid recurrence. Nonsurgical (conservative) treatment for tenosynovitis may utilize ultrasound, iontophoresis, and electrical stimulation, along with heat or ice for local pain control and to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to control mild to moderate pain. In some cases, injection of lidocaine or a corticosteroid may be helpful. Repeated injections into tendons can weaken the tendon, so injections are limited to 2 to 3 over a period of several month. Weight-bearing tendons, such as the patella tendon and Achilles tendon, are at greater risk for rupture from injections.
Surgery to incise part or the entire sheath (release of tendon sheath) may be necessary when conservative measures fail. When tenosynovitis causes swelling in a confined space such as the base of thumb (de Quervain's disease), the swelling may need to be relieved by surgical incision of the constrictive tendon sheath. Surgery may also be necessary for a painful trigger finger or thumb.
Infectious tenosynovitis may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics, drainage if pus is suspected, and/or surgery (irrigation and débridement). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Depending on the location and severity of tenosynovitis, symptoms may persist for a few days or for several weeks. If overuse or aggravation continues, pain may worsen and persist for several months.
If rest and conservative medical management fail to provide relief, surgery to release the tendon sheath usually is effective. Renewed aggravation or a flare-up of underlying conditions may lead to an exacerbation. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The rehabilitation of tenosynovitis aims to control pain and swelling and to allow the tendon, muscle, and joint structures involved to regain motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance. The ultimate goal is to return the individual to full function in work and recreational activities with minimal risk of recurrence.
When pain is intense and disabling, application of ice to the injured tendon, muscle, and joint region may reduce pain. Later, heat treatments may reduce inflammation and pain, especially when stretching the involved tendon and muscle.
Once movement is allowed, passive range of motion exercises begin with the therapist bending and straightening the limb. In time, the individual begins active assisted range of motion exercises, bending and straightening the affected joint with the help of the therapist. As increased motion of the involved joint improves flexibility, the individual begins to perform all the motions independently. The physical therapist also uses joint mobilization techniques to restore joint motion affected by tenosynovitis, as well as to aid in the stretching of surrounding muscle and tendons.
Early in the strengthening phase, the therapist will instruct the individual in isometric strengthening exercises. Once both range of motion and isometric exercises are tolerated, the individual progresses to isotonic strengthening involving movement at and around the joint.
An occupational therapist may fabricate a splint for the individual to help immobilize and protect the involved area.
Modifications may need to be made by the physical therapist for those persons who have arthritis or other muscle or joint conditions. If the affected tendon requires surgical repair, some restrictions may be placed on range of motion and strengthening exercises, depending on the degree or type of surgery that was performed. If surgery is involved, the physician will guide rehabilitation. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Complications of tenosynovitis include chronic pain, decreased range of motion, and amputation. Tendon rupture is a possible complication of chronic tenosynovitis. Risk of tendon rupture increases with the use of corticosteroid injections that may weaken the tendon.
Untreated, infectious tenosynovitis can develop into septic arthritis or spread into adjacent bone, causing osteomyelitis. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Tenosynovitis can affect an individual's ability to perform a number of ordinary functions. Restrictions on such activities as gripping, twisting, hammering, lifting, pulling, and pushing are common, even if little force is needed to accomplish these tasks. Adaptive devices or changes in job requirements to decrease stress on the tendons will facilitate earlier return to work. Initial treatment would include alternating repetitive tasks and providing rest periods. Alteration in job requirements may be necessary to prevent exacerbation and recurrence. Company policy on medication usage should be reviewed to determine if pain medication use is compatible with job safety and function. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| If an individual fails to recover within the expected maximum duration period, the reader may wish to consider the following questions to better understand the specifics of an individual's medical case. Regarding diagnosis:
- Has individual experienced an injury, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, infection, or repetitive strain or trauma to the hand, wrist, elbow, or other joint?
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Does individual complain of pain, swelling, and limited motion in the affected area?
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On exam, is the area tender to palpation? Swollen? Is crepitus detectable?
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Did individual undergo x-ray? MRI? EMG and nerve conduction studies?
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Have conditions with similar symptoms been ruled out?
Regarding treatment:
- Has individual discontinued the activity that causes pain?
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Is individual using NSAIDs?
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Did individual have corticosteroid injection?
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Is individual using a splint? Using ice? Heat?
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Were antibiotics necessary?
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Was surgery necessary?
Regarding prognosis:
- Does individual actively participate in rehabilitation?
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Does individual perform exercises at home?
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Does individual have any conditions that could affect ability to recover?
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Did individual experience complications such as tendon rupture?
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Is individual's employer able to accommodate any necessary restrictions
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Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Chen, Andrew L. "Tenosynovitis." MedlinePlus. 17 Nov. 2008. National Library of Medicine. 13 Mar. 2009 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001242.htm>. Elsevier, Inc. "Flexor Tendon Sheath Infection." Patient Education. MD Consult. 13 Mar. 2009 <http://home.mdconsult.com>. Norvell, Jeffrey G., and Mark Steele. "Tenosynovitis." eMedicine. Eds. Richard S. Krause, et al. 31 Mar. 2008. Medscape. 13 Mar. 2009 <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/809777-overview>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
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