Synthesis of surgeon and rehabilitation therapist treatment methods of bicipital tenosynovitis in dogs allows development of an initial consensus therapeutic protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic approach of surgical specialists, sports medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and veterinarians with rehabilitation certification when treating bicipital tendon disease or tenosynovitis in dogs and to combine this information with existing research to develop a treatment algorithm that provides a framework for treating bicipital tenosynovitis. SAMPLE: 223 respondents to an internet survey of board-certified veterinary surgeons, board-certified sports medicine and rehabilitation therapists, and veterinarians with rehabilitation certification. METHODS: The survey was promoted via multiple listservs, specialist college newsletters, and private relevant social media sites. Answers were compiled and submitted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Compared to rehabilitation therapists (RTh), surgeons placed less value on the stabilizing function of the biceps tendon and its role in preventing other shoulder morbidities. Similarly, compared to RTh, surgeons were more inclined to select surgery as the primary therapeutic approach and attributed a less optimistic prognosis to conservative therapy outcomes. There were multiple differences between surgeons and RTh in executing a conservative therapy program, with RTh more likely to recommend therapeutic exercise, extracorporeal shockwave, regenerative medicine, therapeutic ultrasound, exercise restriction, photobiomodulation, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. RTh were less likely to prescribe NSAIDS or inject corticosteroids. Despite the above noted differences, there were also multiple areas of agreement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Consensus agreement, combined with existing research, was used to create a treatment algorithm suggesting how to best address multiple manifestations of bicipital tendinopathy. Such guidelines can be considered to direct therapeutic strategies for this common condition.

Management of de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Importance: There is a plethora of treatment options for patients with de Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT), but there are limited data on their effectiveness and no definitive management guidelines. Objective: To assess and compare the effectiveness associated with available treatment options for DQT to guide musculoskeletal practitioners and inform guidelines. Data Sources: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, OpenGrey.eu, and WorldCat.org were searched for published studies, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, The European Union Clinical Trials Register, and the ISRCTN registry were searched for unpublished and ongoing studies from inception to August 2022. Study Selection: All randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of any intervention for the management of DQT. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO and conducted and reported per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions (PRISMA-NMA) and PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Sports Science (PERSIST) guidance. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations tool were used for risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessment for each outcome. Main Outcomes and Measures: Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed for patient-reported pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and for function using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale. Mean differences (MD) with their 95% CIs were calculated for the pairwise meta-analyses. Results: A total of 30 studies with 1663 patients (mean [SD] age, 46 [7] years; 80% female) were included, of which 19 studies were included in quantitative analyses. From the pairwise meta-analyses, based on evidence of moderate certainty, adding thumb spica immobilization for 3 to 4 weeks to a corticosteroid injection (CSI) was associated with statistically but not clinically significant functional benefits in the short-term (MD, 10.5 [95% CI, 6.8-14.1] points) and mid-term (MD, 9.4 [95% CI, 7.0-11.9] points). In the network meta-analysis, interventions that included ultrasonography-guided CSI ranked at the top for pain. CSI with thumb spica immobilization had the highest probability of being the most effective intervention for short- and mid-term function. Conclusions and Relevance: This network meta-analysis found that adding a short period of thumb spica immobilization to CSI was associated with statistically but not clinically significant short- and mid-term benefits. These findings suggest that administration of CSI followed by 3 to 4 weeks immobilization should be considered as a first-line treatment for patients with DQT.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of tuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand and wrist.

Objective: Vietnam is endemic with tuberculosis (TB), which is highly prevalent in the community. TB tenosynovitis of the wrist and hand is uncommon. Because of its insidious progression and atypical presentations, it is often difficult to diagnose, leading to treatment delays. This study investigates the characteristics of clinical and subclinical signs and treatment outcomes of patients with TB tenosynovitis in Vietnam. Patients and Methods: This prospective longitudinal cross-sectional study included 25 TB tenosynovitis patients in the Rheumatology Clinic at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. The diagnosis was made based on a tuberculous cyst in histopathological specimens. The data were collected through medical history, physical examination, and medical records, including demographics, signs, symptoms, condition duration, and related laboratory tests and imaging. The outcomes of all participants were assessed after 12 months of treatment. Results: The most common symptom of TB tenosynovitis was swelling of the hand and wrist, which was present in all patients. Its other symptoms included mild pain and numbness of the hand in 72% and 24% of patients, respectively. It can affect any site on the hand. Hand ultrasound findings included thickening of the synovial membrane (80%), peritendinous effusion (64%), and soft tissue swelling (88%). Most patients (18/22) had a good outcome after the treatment with anti-tubercular drugs. Conclusions: TB tenosynovitis progression is often insidious. Its most common symptoms are swelling of the hand and mild pain. Ultrasound is a useful tool to support the diagnosis. A histological examination confirms the diagnosis. Most cases respond and have a good outcome after 9-12 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Do You Really Need a Hand Surgeon? Common Tendinopathies of the Upper Extremity.

Lateral epicondylitis, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and trigger finger are among the most common tendinopathies of the upper extremity. Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition with a prolonged course that can be frustrating for patients. Nonetheless, most patients improve with a simple wait-and-see approach. Therapy has been shown to be helpful and surgical management is usually successful in recalcitrant cases. Cortisone, although commonly used in the past, has been shown to have worse results than placebo in the medium and long term. de Quervain tenosynovitis responds well to nonsurgical measures including bracing treatment, therapy, and cortisone. Surgery is effective, although neuritis of the radial sensory nerve is a notable complication. Trigger finger is strongly associated with diabetes and is typically treated with cortisone or surgery. With a thoughtful and well-researched approach, any of these conditions can be successfully managed by a community orthopaedic specialist.

[DE QUERVAIN'S TENOSYNOVITIS - CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: De-Quervain tenosynovitis, named after the Swiss surgeon Fritz De Quervain, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness over the first extensor compartment of the wrist. This compartment contains the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendons in their individual retinacular sheath. Non-inflammatory thickening of the tendinous sheath leads to entrapment of the individual tendons and increased friction. The condition is more common in women, particularly aged 30-50 years old and those 4-6 weeks in their post-partum period. It can be associated with trauma or repetitive motion but is typically of unknown etiology. While most cases are self-limiting, treatment is often required and comprises of non-operative treatment: anti-inflammatory medication, wrist splints and local steroid injection; and operative treatment: surgical release of the 1st dorsal compartment.

Acupotomy in the treatment of tenosynovitis of hand flexor tendons: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acupotomy was used to treat tenosynovitis of hand flexor tendons (THFT) in China. But it's uncertain about the efficacy of acupotomy for THFT. We plan to evaluate the efficacy and safety about acupotomy therapy in the treatment of THFT through this review. METHODS: The protocol about this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022330568). We searched 6 databases from their respective inception dates to January 11, 2022. Studies searched was screened by our reviewers, and then the raw data was filtered out. We used RevMan 5.3 software to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: 11 studies involving 828 patients were shortlisted. The experimental group showed obvious advantages compared with the control group, such as effective rate (odds ratio [OR] = 6.77, 95% CI [confidence intervals] = [3.89, 11.77], P < .00001), cure rate (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = [1.81, 6.11], P = .0001) and Vas score (MD = -1.21, 95% CI = [-2.00, -0.42], Z = 3.01, P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: According to the above results, Acupotomy is an effective and safe treatment for THFT. So it should be recommended for the treatment of THFT patients.

Trigger Finger Treatment / Tratamento do Dedo em Gatilho

Abstract Trigger finger is a frequent condition. Although tenosynovitis and the alteration of pulley A1 are identified as triggering factors, there is no consensus on the true cause in the literature, and its true etiology remains unknown. The diagnosis is purely clinical most of the time. It depends solely on the existence of finger locking during active bending movement. Trigger finger treatment usually begins with nonsurgical interventions that are instituted for at least 3 months. In patients with initial presentation with flexion deformity or inability to flex the finger, there may be earlier indication of surgical treatment due to pain intensity and functional disability. In the present review article, we will present the modalities and our algorithm for the treatment of trigger finger.

Resumo O dedo em gatilho é uma afecção frequente. Não obstante a tenossinovite e a alteração da polia A1 serem identificados como fatores desencadeantes, não há consenso sobre a verdadeira causa na literatura, sendo que a sua verdadeira etiologia permanece desconhecida. O diagnóstico é puramente clínico na maior parte das vezes. Ele depende unicamente da existência do travamento do dedo no decorrer da movimentação flexão ativa. O tratamento do dedo em gatilho geralmente se inicia com intervenções não cirúrgicas que são instituídas por pelo menos 3 meses. Nos pacientes em quem haja apresentação inicial com deformidade em flexão ou incapacidade de flexão do dedo, pode haver indicação mais precoce do tratamento cirúrgico em razão da intensidade do quadro álgico e da incapacidade funcional do paciente. No presente artigo de revisão, apresentaremos as modalidades e o nosso algoritmo para o tratamento do dedo em gatilho.

Purulent Flexor Tendon Rupture of the Hand due to Mycobacterium abscessus Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Mycobacterium abscessus infection of the upper extremities is uncommon. However, M abscessus can cause severe chronic tenosynovitis, and delayed diagnosis may result in poor outcomes. We describe an unusual clinical case of purulent flexor tendon synovitis followed by subcutaneous tendon rupture due to M abscessus infection in a patient with diabetes mellitus. A 76-year-old man presented to our hospital with painful, erythematous swelling over his left fourth finger. On physical examination, the left fourth finger was swollen and reddish, with persistent exudate from the surgical scar. The left elbow was also swollen and reddish with persistent discharge, which was consistent with olecranon bursitis. The patient was unable to flex his left fourth finger, and the passive range of motion of the finger was also restricted. The physical examination findings and patient history suggested purulent flexor tendinitis. His infection healed after radical debridement of necrotic tissue and administration of antibiotics effective against M abscessus. Third-stage flexor reconstruction restored the function of the fourth finger. The combination of surgical debridement and chemotherapy was the most effective treatment for mycobacterial tenosynovitis. This case shows that M abscessus can cause chronic severe purulent tenosynovitis and flexor tendon rupture after tendon surgery. Although early diagnosis and combination treatment with debridement and chemotherapy might improve outcomes by limiting the severity and duration of damage to the flexor synovial system, late-presenting patients require combined radical debridement of necrotic tissue and aggressive chemotherapy followed by staged flexor tendon reconstruction.

Common Hand Conditions: A Review.

Importance: Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and basilar (carpometacarpal) joint arthritis of the thumb can be associated with significant disability. Observations: Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness and tingling in the thumb and the index, middle, and radial ring fingers and by weakness of thumb opposition when severe. It is more common in women and people who are obese, have diabetes, and work in occupations involving use of keyboards, computer mouse, heavy machinery, or vibrating manual tools. The Durkan physical examination maneuver, consisting of firm digital pressure across the carpal tunnel to reproduce symptoms, is 64% sensitive and 83% specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. People with suspected proximal compression or other compressive neuropathies should undergo electrodiagnostic testing, which is approximately more than 80% sensitive and 95% specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. Splinting or steroid injection may temporarily relieve symptoms. Patients who do not respond to conservative therapies may undergo open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for definitive treatment. Trigger finger, which involves abnormal resistance to smooth flexion and extension ("triggering") of the affected finger, affects up to 20% of adults with diabetes and approximately 2% of the general population. Steroid injection is the first-line therapy but is less efficacious in people with insulin-dependent diabetes. People with diabetes and those with recurrent symptoms may benefit from early surgical release. de Quervain tenosynovitis, consisting of swelling of the extensor tendons at the wrist, is more common in women than in men. People with frequent mobile phone use are at increased risk. The median age of onset is 40 to 59 years. Steroid injections relieve symptoms in approximately 72% of patients, particularly when combined with immobilization. People with recurrent symptoms may be considered for surgical release of the first dorsal extensor compartment. Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis affects approximately 33% of postmenopausal women, according to radiographic evidence of carpometacarpal arthritis. Approximately 20% of patients require treatment for pain and disability. Nonsurgical interventions (immobilization, steroid injection, and pain medication) relieve pain but do not alter disease progression. Surgery may be appropriate for patients unresponsive to conservative treatments. Conclusions and Relevance: Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis can be associated with significant disability. First-line treatment for each condition consists of steroid injection, immobilization, or both. For patients who do not respond to noninvasive therapy or for progressive disease despite conservative therapy, surgical treatment is safe and effective.

A Low Virulence Infective Tenosynovitis Triggered by a Neisseria Species.

A persistent infective tenosynovitis, caused by a non-pathogenic Neisseria species and involving the little finger and the thumb of a middle-aged woman, forming a horseshoe-type infection is presented. An extensive volar approach was utilised for excision of the granulomatous synovium and drainage of turbid fluid. Neisseria spp was isolated by tissue microbiology and targeted antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks was required to eradicate infection. The presence of low virulence microorganisms which might act as true pathogens should always be considered as a causative factor leading to persistent infections that require open surgical debridement and washout. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Mycobacterial Infections of the Hand.

BACKGROUND: Hand infections caused by mycobacteria are relatively uncommon compared to infections caused by other pathogens; therefore, much of the available literature consists of case reports and limited case series. Broadly categorized into tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, both tuberculous and NTM infections are typically insidious with long incubation periods and with the ability to remain dormant for prolonged periods. METHODS: We reviewed the most current literature on the epidemiology, presentations, treatment methods, and resistance patterns of mycobacterial infections of the hand focusing on the indications and outcomes of nonoperative as well as operative interventions. RESULTS: The worldwide burden of tuberculosis remains high and while the overall rate of new diagnosis drug resistant tuberculosis has been on the decline some regions of the world have demonstrated staggeringly high resistance rates to first-line tuberculosis therapies. Signs and symptoms of mycobacterial hand infection are typically inconsistent, and highly dependent on the specific structures of the hand that are affected; therefore, these infections may mimic other infections of the hand like tenosynovitis, joint space infections, and cutaneous infections. The main stay of treatment remains antimycobacterial therapies including but not limited to rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. CONCLUSIONS: The complications associated with mycobacterial hand infections can be significant. Prompt evaluation, including a thorough history to evaluate for potential exposures to infectious sources, followed by appropriate antibiotic choice and duration, with surgical management as needed, is key to reducing the chance that patients experience lasting effects of the infection.

De Quervain Tenosynovitis: An Evaluation of the Epidemiology and Utility of Multiple Injections Using a National Database.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that repeat injections are associated with a decreased rate of success and that the success rate of injections correlates with patient comorbidities. METHODS: Using a commercially available insurance database, patients diagnosed with De Quervain tenosynovitis were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes and stratified by therapeutic interventions, including therapy, injections, and surgery, as well as comorbidities. Injection failure was defined as a patient receiving a repeat injection or subsequent surgical management. Success was defined as no further therapies identified after an intervention. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2017, 33,420 patients with a primary diagnosis of De Quervain tenosynovitis were identified. Women represented 77.5% (25,908) of the total and were 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed than White patients. Black and White women were found to have the highest incidence (relative risk 3.4 and 2.3, respectively, compared with White men). Age was also significantly correlated with an increased risk of diagnosis of the condition, with a peak incidence at the age of 40-59 years (relative risk, 10.6). Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and hypothyroidism were associated with an increased risk of diagnosis. Overall, 53.3% of the patients were treated with injections, 11.6% underwent surgery, and 5.2% underwent therapy. Treatment with a single injection was successful in 71.9% of the patients, with 19.7% receiving a repeat injection and 8.4% treated with surgery. The overall success rate of subsequent injections was 66.3% for the second injection and 60.5% for the third. The initial injection had a higher rate of success in diabetics than in nondiabetics; however, the difference (2%) was not clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Although the success rate for the treatment of De Quervains tenosynovitis decreases with multiple injections, repeat injections have a high rate of success and are a viable clinical option. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

[De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Clinical aspects and diagnostic techniques]. / Het syndroom van De Quervain.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a tendon sheath inflammation of the musculus abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the musculus extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) in the first extensor compartment of the wrist. Typically, patients present with pain symptoms on the radial side of the wrist as a result of repetitive moments and consequent overload of the tendons. During physical examination, De Quervain's tenosynovitis is easily distinguishable from other wrist injuries. Early recognition is of utmost importance for treatment decisions due to the fact that it is very well treatable, especially in the acute phase. A multimodal approach with conservative management is the most effective. Surgical intervention is usually not necessary.

Rare case of Mycobacterium marinum in a patient presenting with tenosynovitis.

A 72-year-old man presented with tenosynovitis of the left hand's extensor tendons that had been present for several months. He was initially treated with corticosteroids, first by local injection then systemically, but with no effect. When re-evaluated, the patient had developed a rash, and the symptoms had spread locally to surrounding structures. At this point, the patient added to the medical history that he had been stung by a sculpin a month before the debut of symptoms. Based on this, the patient's involved area was biopsied, and subsequent microbiology findings proved consistent with Mycobacterium marinum infection. By the time of diagnosis, the patient had soft tissue involvement, arthritis and osteomyelitis with an overlying rash. This case emphasises the need for reassessment when treatment is not effective and for further investigations of the medical history to establish the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Development of a Murine Model of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a debilitating infection of the hand flexor tendon sheath with high morbidity despite standard treatments of empiric antibiotics with irrigation and debridement. In vivo studies in the available literature have used avian models, but these models are difficult to scale and maintain. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the plausibility of a murine model of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis utilizing bioluminescence imaging and tissue analysis at harvest. METHODS: A 2-µL inoculate of bioluminescent Xen29 Staphylococcus aureus or sterile phosphate-buffered saline solution (sPBS) was administered to the tendon sheath of 36 male C57BL/6J mice. The infectious course was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) via an in vivo imaging system, gross anatomic deformity, and weight change. The infected hind paws were harvested at 4 time points: 24 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks for histological analysis using Alcian blue, hematoxylin, and Orange-G staining. Two-way analysis of variance with the Sidak multiple comparison test was used to assess differences in bioluminescence and weight at each time point. RESULTS: The infected cohort displayed significantly elevated bioluminescence values, had reductions in weight, and exhibited swelling of the infected digit throughout the course of infection. By day 4, most infected mice saw a substantial decrease in BLI signal intensity; however, 2 infected mice exhibited persistent BLI intensity through day 14. Histological analysis of the infected cohort showed tissue disorganization and the presence of a cellular infiltrate in and around the flexor tendon sheath. CONCLUSIONS: A murine model of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is possible and can serve as an experimental platform for further investigation of the pathophysiology of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This animal model can be utilized in elucidating the basic molecular and/or cellular mechanisms of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis while simultaneously evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.

Olympic competition climbing: the beginning of a new era-a narrative review.

Climbing as a competition sport has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly the sub-discipline of bouldering. The sport will debut in the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. National and international competitions have three disciplines: lead (climbing with rope protection), bouldering (climbing at lower heights with mattress floor protection) and speed (maximum speed climbing on a standardised route in 1-on-1 mode). There is also a 'combined mode' of all three disciplines (combined) which forms the Olympic competition format; all competition formats are held on artificial walls. Existing literature describes a predominantly low injury frequency and severity in elite climbing. In comparison to climbing on real rock, artificial climbing walls have recently been associated with higher injury rates. Finger injuries such as tenosynovitis, pulley lesions and growth plate injuries are the most common injuries. As finger injuries are sport-specific, medical supervision of climbing athletes requires specific medical knowledge for diagnosis and treatment. There is so far little evidence on effective injury prevention measures in top athletes, and antidoping measures, in general, requiring further work in this field. An improved data situation regarding high-performance climbing athletes is crucial to ensure that the sport continues to be largely safe and injury-free and to prevent doping cases as extensively as possible.

Fibularis Intersection Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Lateral Foot Pain in Runners.

ABSTRACT: Running is a common cause of foot and ankle injuries. Accurate diagnosis is important for appropriate management to resolve the issue. For clarity of diagnoses, the physician should be able to perform a thorough physical examination in conjunction with point-of-care ultrasound. The authors report a case study of a young male runner with lateral ankle pain. Based on clinical assessment and point-of-care ultrasound, a diagnosis of fibularis intersection syndrome was proposed. This type of injury can be treated with graded eccentric loading of fibularis tendons and proprioceptive exercises. This case report highlights the importance of point-of-care ultrasound to determine the appropriate diagnosis and management.

The effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for treating tenosynovitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an overuse disease that involves a thickening of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. Evidence shows that acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) could remarkably relieve the pain of De Quervain's tenosynovitis patients. The aim of this protocol is to determine the efficacy and safety of AM for treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis. METHODS: Several online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literatures Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WangFang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database will be searched from their establishment to July 1, 2020. We will include all randomized controlled trials using AM as the method for treating De Quervain's tenosynovitis, regardless of blinding or publication types. The selection of studies, data extraction and the assessment of the studies quality will be conducted by 2 reviewers separately. When there is sufficient available data for meta-analysis, we will use the RevMan V.5.3 statistical software for data synthesis. The total effective rate, range of motion of wrist ulnar deviation will be the primary outcomes, and the secondary outcomes contain Visual Analog Scale, Coney Wrist Score and side effects. We will express the result by using Risk ratio for dichotomous data and mean differences with a 95% confidence interval for continuous data. RESULTS: The results of this study be presented in corresponding journal or conferences. CONCLUSIONS: This study is designed to provide sufficient evidence to assess the exact effectiveness of AM on De Quervain's tenosynovitis. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020158764.

Physical modalities for the conservative treatment of wrist and hand's tenosynovitis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The management of wrist and hand's tenosynovitis remains challenging and needs to be individualized. Physical modalities are accepted among conservative treatments, but there is currently no systematic assessment of their role and efficacy. The aim of this review is to analyze the literature including studies dealing with the use of physical modalities in De Quervain disease, Dupuytren disease and trigger finger, in order to obtain indications for everyday clinical practice. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the following databases was conducted: MEDLINE (through PubMed), Cochrane Library, PEDro and Scopus. All kind of papers, except for case reports and case series, were included, due to the small amount of scientific evidence in literature about this topic. The inclusion criteria were papers regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatment with physical modalities of adult humans affected by De Quervain disease, Dupuytren disease and trigger finger. The review included articles in English language published before 10 May 2020. The exclusion criteria were papers whose topic were surgery or conservative treatment with therapeutic tools different from physical modalities for hand and wrist's tenosynovitis. RESULTS: The literature search identified 2422 papers, but only 15 were included in this review. While 10 of the 15 studies (66.6%) were RCTs, only 2 had a lower risk of bias according to the Cochrane library assessment tool. For the conservative treatment of De Quervain disease 7 papers were found, studying ultrasound therapy, low level laser therapy, phonoporesis, and anodyne therapy, alone or associated. For Dupuytren disease 3 papers were found, studying extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), temperature controlled high energy adjustable multi-mode emission laser, electron beam therapy and radiofrequency. For trigger finger 5 papers were found, studying ESWT and ultrasound therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound were the most used and effective physical therapies for De Quervain tenosynovitis. ESWT was found the most efficient and safe therapy for Dupuytren disease; radiotherapy, electron beam therapy, targeted radiofrequency and laser therapy could be promising therapeutic options at Dupuytren's onset. ESWT turned out to be the most frequent physical mean used for functional improvement and pain control in trigger finger. However, more high-quality studies are still needed to further define evidence-based practice for patients with trigger finger, Dupuytren disease, and De Quervain disease.