Morphological differences between the dorsal and palmar septa of the first extensor compartment in relation to the brachioradialis and pronator quadratus.

BACKGROUND: The first extensor compartment of the wrist is known as a frequent site of stenosing tenosynovitis, referred to as de Quervain's disease. De Quervain's disease occurs more frequently in the dorsal part of the first extensor compartment than in the palmar part; however, the anatomical reason why the dorsal part is worse remains poorly elucidated. This study clarified the morphological differences between the dorsal and palmar parts by examining their relationship with the surrounding structures. METHODS: In this study, a total of 35 wrists from 23 Japanese cadavers were used. Twenty-five wrists were randomly assigned for macroscopic analysis, and the remaining 10 wrists were used for histological analysis. RESULTS: The palmar septum of the first extensor compartment was connected to the brachioradialis tendon and superficial head of the pronator quadratus and was histologically stout compared to the dorsal septum. Despite several anatomical variations, such as the septum between the abductor pollicis longus/extensor pollicis brevis and the multiple tendons of these muscles, the aforementioned characteristics of the fibrous sheath in the first extensor compartment were identical in all specimens. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the fragile structure of the dorsal septum, the stout structure of the palmar septum could be related to the low occurrence of symptoms of de Quervain's disease. The present results could play a role in revealing the pathogeny and establish the precise treatment for de Quervain's disease and provide an anatomical basis for kinesiological/biomechanical studies.

Smartphone usage behaviors and their association with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (DQT)among college students: a cross-sectional study in Guangxi, China.

BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence of smartphone use among college students in China has led to health concerns, including De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (DQT). However, the specific smartphone usage behaviors contributing to DQT remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between smartphone usage behaviors and DQT in college students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 937 students from various majors in Guangxi between September 2021 and April 2022. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing smartphone usage behaviors and their association with DQT. The Finkelstein test was employed to diagnose DQT. RESULTS: Over half of the college students (52%) tested positive for DQT via Finkelstein's test. Higher levels of smartphone usage time (6-8 h/day: OR = 4.454, 95%CI:1.662-12.229; ≥8 h/day: OR = 4.521, 95%CI:1.596-12.811), phone games (OR = 1.997, 95%CI:1.312-3.040), social media (OR = 2.263, 95%CI:1.795-3.833), and leisure activities (OR = 1.679, 95%CI:1.140-2.475) were significantly associated with an increased risk of DQT. Two specific gestures (Bilateral thumbs, BT: OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.281-2.817; Bilateral thumbs-horizontal screen, BT-HS: OR = 1.872, 95%CI:1.244-2.818) and two screen sizes (5.0-5.5inch: OR = 2.064, 95%CI:1.108-3.846; 6.0-6.5inch: OR = 2.413, 95%CI:1.125-4.083) also exhibited a higher risk of DQT. Bilateral DQT was observed, with Gesture-BT identified as the primary risk factor. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that increased smartphone usage time, phone games, social media, and leisure activities elevate the risk of DQT among college students. Furthermore, two specific gestures and two screen sizes were also linked to a heightened DQT risk. To mitigate DQT development, college students should reduce smartphone usage time and adopt appropriate gestures.

Effectiveness of high-intensity laser application combined with splinting and therapeutic exercise in subacute de Quervain's tenosynovitis: A pilot study.

The purpose of this study is to determine the additional effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) when combined with therapeutic exercise and splinting in the treatment of patients diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Nineteen patients diagnosed with de Quervain's tenosynovitis were randomly divided into two groups: the HILT group and the sham HILT group. A total of 9 HILT or sham HILT sessions were administered, with 3 sessions per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Both groups received the thumb spica splint and therapeutic exercise. A comparison was conducted between the two groups, as well as pre- and post-treatment, focusing on the following outcomes: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, hand grip strength, and Thai version of Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE-Thai) as a disability score. No significant differences were found between the HILT group and the sham group across all evaluated outcomes. However, when examining changes within each group over time, both the HILT and sham groups showed significant reductions in pain and improvements in disability score at the follow-up assessments compared to baseline. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were observed in grip strength outcomes at any of the measured time points. The combination of HILT with a splint and exercise demonstrates effectiveness as a method for pain management and functional improvement in patients with subacute de Quervain's tenosynovitis. It is important to note that HILT does not offer any additional advantages when compared to the combined use of a splint and exercise.

Association of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Measures With Injection and Surgical Treatment Response in Patients With De Quervain Tenosynovitis.

PURPOSE: Treatment of de Quervain tenosynovitis is largely empiric. Patient-Reported Outcomes Management Information System (PROMIS) scores at the time of diagnosis might provide insights into the probability of success of nonsurgical management and predict the necessity for surgical treatment. We aimed to identify which, if any, of the PROMIS metrics may be used to identify patients who will opt for surgery or be managed with injection alone. METHODS: Patients presenting to a tertiary academic medical center from 2014 to 2019, with a sole diagnosis of de Quervain tenosynovitis, were identified and separated by initial and most invasive treatment of either injection or surgery. These groups were then dichotomized using cut points of more than one SD from the mean on the PROMIS physical function and pain interference scales, and a logistic regression model was used to determine the odds ratio of surgical intervention. RESULTS: Patients who had low physical function or high pain interference had significantly increased odds of ultimately undergoing surgery. Age ranging from 40 to 60 years and female sex were also associated with increased odds of undergoing surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who scored lower than 40 for physical function or higher than 60 for pain interference had significantly increased odds of eventually undergoing surgical release for de Quervain tenosynovitis. PROMIS scores may identify patients who are likely to fail steroid injections as a sole nonsurgical intervention and inform an individualized discussion about surgical management of this condition. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Trigger Finger or De Quervain Tenosynovitis after Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Dedo em gatilho ou tenossinovite de De Quervain após tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo

Abstract Objective To evaluate the open surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome as a risk factor for the development of stenosing tenosynovitis that results in trigger finger and De Quervain disease. Materials and Methods A retrospective study analyzing the medical records of patients submitted to open surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome between 2010 and 2021 in a secondary- and tertiary-level hospital. The following data were collected: pathological history, duration of the follow-up after the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, development of trigger finger or De Quervain tenosynovitis, affected fingers, and the interval between the end of surgery and symptom onset. Results We evaluated 802 patients of both genders and with a mean age of 50.1 (±12.6) years. The mean follow-up was of 13 (±16.4) months. The mean time until the development of trigger finger was of 61.4 months, and of 73.7 months for De Quervain disease. The incidence of development of De Quervain disease was of 4.12%, and for trigger finger it was of 10.2%. The most affected digits were the thumb (47.6%), the middle (24.4%), and the ring finger (8.54%). Age was the only factor that showed an association with the risk of developing trigger finger, with an increase of 2% for each increase in age of 1 year. Conclusion The incidence rates for the development of De Quervain disease (4.12%) and trigger finger (10.2%) after the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome were like those described in the literature. Only age was a factor that influenced the development of trigger finger.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o tratamento cirúrgico aberto da síndrome do túnel do carpo como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento das tenossinovites estenosantes formadoras do dedo em gatilho e da doença de De Quervain. Materiais e Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com análise dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos a liberação cirúrgica aberta da síndrome do túnel do carpo entre 2010 e 2021 em hospital de níveis secundário e terciário. Os seguintes dados foram coletados: histórico patológico, tempo de acompanhamento após o tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo, desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho ou tenossinovite de De Quervain, dedos acometidos, e tempo decorrido entre o fim da cirurgia e o aparecimento dos sintomas. Resultados Foram avaliados 802 pacientes de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 50,1 (±12,6) anos. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 13 (±16,4) meses. O tempo médio de desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho foi de 61,4 meses, e o da doença de De Quervain, de 73,7 meses. A incidência de desenvolvimento da doença de De Quervain foi de 4,12% e a de dedo em gatilho, de 10,2%. Os dedos mais acometidos foram o polegar (47,6%), o médio (24,4%) e o anular (8,54%). A idade foi único fator que demonstrou associação com o risco de desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho, com aumento de 2% a cada ano a mais de idade. Conclusão As taxas de incidência de desenvolvimento de doença de De Quervain (4,12%) e de dedo em gatilho (10,2%) após tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo foram semelhantes às descritas na literatura. Apenas a idade se apresentou como fator influenciador no desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho.

de Quervain's Disease among Patients Visiting the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department of Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross- sectional Study.

Introduction: de Quervain's disease is one of the common causes of wrist pain. It can cause serious disability and absence from work due to impaired functioning of the wrist and hand. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of de Quervain's disease among patients visiting the orthopaedic outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among patients visiting the orthopaedic outpatient department of a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval (IRC KAHS Reference: 078/079/56). This study was conducted from 1 January 2021 to 30 December 2021 from hospital medical records. A convenience sampling method was used. Patients with de Quervain's disease from 16 to 60 years were included in this study. Clinically diagnosis of de Quervain's disease was based on the tenderness of the radial styloid process, tenderness over the first extensor compartment on resisted thumb abduction or extension and positive Finkelstein test. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 9600 orthopaedic outpatients, de Quervain's disease was seen in 128 (1.33%) (2.68-4.52, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of de Quervain's disease was similar when compared to other studies conducted in similar settings. Keywords: de Quervain's disease; surgery; tenosynovitis.

Unblinding de Quervain: A systematic review of ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroids for treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis of the 1st extensor compartment.

A systematic review was conducted on studies reporting steroid injections with ultrasound for de Quervain. From 10 studies included and 379 wrists, 73.9% reported complete resolution of symptoms, 18.2% with partial and 7.9% without resolution. When compared to the landmark-guided technique, ultrasound guidance showed significantly higher rates of symptom resolution (P = 0.0132) and lower pain scores (P < 0.0001). Twenty-nine patients out of 163 who initially showed complete resolution of symptoms reported subsequent recurrence. We conclude that steroid injections guided by ultrasound present high rates of symptomatic relief through precise needle insertion, especially in cases of anatomic variability with subcompartments.

Preferred treatment approach to De Quervain Tenosynovitis in nursing women: conservative management or surgery?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to show the effectiveness of different treatment methods in the prevention of clinical symptoms and recurrence of De Quervain Tenosynovitis (DQT), which is often seen in nursing women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three different treatment methods were used in 124 patients, all of whom were breastfeeding women who visited our clinic between 2017-2022 with a positive Finkelstein test and DQT. Group I comprised 56 patients who underwent surgical treatment under local anesthesia, Group II, 41 patients who received steroid injections as conservative treatment, and Group III, 27 patients who received wrist splints. The patient files of all groups were reviewed retrospectively, and the effects of the treatment methods on clinical symptoms and recurrence were investigated in patients who were followed up at the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks. RESULTS: The recurrence rate of Group I patients, which were treated surgically, was significantly lower than that of Group II and III (p=0.0001). Among those who received conservative treatment, patients in Group II had significantly lower recurrence rates than those in Group III. At the 8th week of treatment, clinical symptoms had improved by 96.45%, 58.5%, and 7.4% in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is thought that the repetitive movements made during baby care and the edema that develops in breastfeeding women prepare the ground for DQT. Surgery is the most effective treatment method for the improvement of clinical symptoms and prevention of recurrence.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Related de Quervain's Tenosynovitis in South Korea: A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study.

Background: Although pregnant or lactating women have been recognized to be predisposed to de Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT), there is a lack of epidemiologic evidence. The purpose of this study was to estimate the nationwide incidence of pregnancy-related DQT (PRDQT) and to analyze risk factors using the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) database. Methods: A retrospective epidemiologic study of pregnant women in South Korea from 2013 to 2017 was conducted using the NHI claims database. Using corresponding diagnostic codes, we identified women diagnosed with DQT during pregnancy or the postpartum period. We calculated the cumulative incidence and analyzed risk factors such as demographics, pregnancy type, delivery method, gestational complications, and comorbidities using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Between 2013 and 2017, 34,342 patients with PRDQT were identified among 1,601,501 pregnant women, representing a cumulative incidence of approximately 2.1%. Age ≥ 30 years, multiple gestation, cesarean delivery, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and underlying rheumatoid arthritis were all identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of PRDQT, whereas diabetic disorders in pregnancy and underlying diabetes mellitus were not. Conclusions: In South Korea, PRDQT was found to affect approximately 2.1 out of 100 pregnant women between 2013 and 2017. The incidence and risk factors identified in this study can be used for clinical consultations and prediction, as well as for development of national health policies.

Quantitative Analysis of Ultrasonography for de Quervain's Disease: Comparison of the Affected Side With the Asymptomatic Side.

OBJECTIVES: The pathology of de Quervain's disease affects the tenosynovium and rarely the tendons. The ultrasonographic features of de Quervain's disease unresponsive to conservative treatment are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the morphological differences between patients with de Quervain's disease that is refractory to conservative treatment and patients who respond to conservative treatment. METHODS: de Quervain's disease unresponsive to conservative treatment was evaluated in 51 patients. The bilateral wrists underwent preoperative ultrasonographic assessments. The asymptomatic side was presumed to be the patient's anatomical baseline and was used for comparison. We measured the diameter and cross-sectional area of the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), and the thickness of the tendon sheath and the intercompartmental septum, if present. The affected side and asymptomatic side were compared. RESULTS: The APL and EPB cross-sectional area was significantly larger on the affected side than on the asymptomatic side (APL: 13 mm2 versus 8.3 mm2 ; P < .0001; EPB: 5.4 mm2 versus 3.9 mm2 ; P = .031). The tendon sheath was significantly thicker on the affected side (1.5 mm) than on the asymptomatic side (0.95 mm) (P < .0001). The intercompartmental septum was significantly thicker on the affected side (1.1 mm) than on the asymptomatic side (0.72 mm) (P = .0004). Operative findings revealed 41 (80%) patients had an intercompartmental septum. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonographic features of de Quervain's disease requiring surgical treatment were a significantly thickened tendon sheath, an intercompartmental septum, and increased cross-sectional area of the APL and EPB.

A Retrospective Case Series Study on a Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided First Dorsal Compartment Release Technique for Refractory De Quervain Tenosynovitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with a novel minimally invasive complete release of the first dorsal compartment percutaneously under ultrasound guidance using an 18-gauge needle with an 18 blade at the tip. DESIGN: This was a retrospective case series. Nine adults (ten wrists) were included in the study of this technique. All patients had failed conservative care and had tenderness to palpation over the first dorsal compartment, a positive Finklestein test, and confirmed tenosynovitis with ultrasound imaging before the procedure. The main outcome measures were reduction in pain as determined by the numeric rating scale and improvement of function determined by the Nirschl Phase scale at both short- and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: There was 100% follow-up, with mean (SD) follow-up occurring at 23.1 (9.8) mos (range, 9-42 mos). From preprocedure to follow-up, numeric rating scale pain decreased from 4.1 (SD, 2.5) to 0.0 (SD, 0.0) ( P < 0.001), and Nirschl phase improved from 2.5 (SD, 1.9) to 0.2 (SD, 0.4) ( P = 0.03). No patients required revision open-release surgery or suffered neurovascular complications. CONCLUSION: This technique resulted in significant improvement of pain and function for all patients and no short- or long-term neurovascular complications were seen.

Partial Resection of First Dorsal Compartment Extensor Retinaculum in De Quervain's Stenosing Tendovaginitis Release.

Various surgical techniques exist to treat de Quervain's stenosing tendovaginitis. Specific surgical techniques for de Quervain's are designed to avoid complications including injury to branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, inadequate decompression, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and palmar subluxation of the released tendons. A simple dorsal incision through the extensor retinaculum is advocated by many as a means to release the compartment while preventing postoperative subluxation. A single incision through the retinaculum limits exposure of the compartment and could lead to reannealing of the retinaculum and recurrent symptoms. Partial resection of the extensor retinaculum provides a more complete release and has not been found to lead to palmar tendon subluxation.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis: a non-randomized two-armed study comparing ultrasound-guided steroid injection with surgical release.

PURPOSE: Ultrasonography is currently used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in de Quervain's tenosynovitis. There is a dearth of information on how effective an ultrasound-guided (USG) steroid injection is when compared to surgical release of the first extensor compartment. Hence, we performed a non-randomized two-armed comparison study to test our hypothesis that USG guided steroid injection is equally effective as surgery. METHOD: 62 consecutive patients participated in the study with 32 of them selecting the option of USG guided injection (Set A), and the rest undergoing surgical release (Set B). We reviewed them after 3 and 6 weeks and 6 months for functional outcome using DASH, PRWE and VAS scores, recurrence, or any complications. They were further followed if they were symptomatic. RESULTS: The DASH/PRWE/VAS scores improved at the end of 6 months from 81.7/79.3/6.8 to 1.0/1.7/1.0, respectively for patients undergoing USG guided steroid injection. Similarly, for the patient undergoing surgery, the scores improved from 82.2/81.5/6.7 to 1.7/3.4/1.0, respectively. This was statistically significant in both the groups (p < 0.05) and was comparable to each other. Two patients in Set A came back with recurrence at eight and 10 months and two reported occasional pain on heavy work. Three patients had tenderness and two had numbness in Set B at the scar site. CONCLUSION: We observed that USG guided steroid injections are comparable to surgical release in terms of pain relief, functional outcome, complications.

The Radial Synergy Test: An Aid to Diagnose de Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is made clinically. Finkelstein's and Eichoff's tests are commonly utilized examination maneuvers. Their specificity has been questioned due to a propensity to provoke pain in asymptomatic patients. Using the principle of synergism, the novel radial synergy test takes advantage of isometric contraction of the first dorsal compartment with resisted abduction of the small finger. METHODS: Electromyography was performed on 3 authors and the first dorsal compartment sampled during the maneuver. Sensitivity evaluation was performed via retrospective chart review for patients diagnosed with de Quervain's from 2013 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were documented radial synergy test, Eichoff's test, and ≥90% pain relief after lidocaine/corticosteroid injection. We enrolled 222 patients with 254 affected extremities. Specificity evaluation was performed via a prospective cohort of volunteers undergoing radial synergy and Eichoff's tests. Inclusion criterion was lack of preexisting wrist pain. Score > 0 on Visual Analog Scale was considered positive. We enrolled 48 volunteers with 93 tested extremities. RESULTS: Electromyography revealed positive recruitment of the first dorsal compartment. Sensitivity of the radial synergy test was inferior to Eichoff's test (97% vs 91%, relative risk [RR] = 0.93 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89-0.97], P < .01). Specificity of the radial synergy test was superior to Eichoff's test (99% vs 74%, RR = 1.33 [95% CI = 1.18-1.51], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We describe and evaluate the radial synergy test, a novel examination maneuver to aid the diagnosis of de Quervain's. This serves as an adjunct for future diagnostic evaluations with its high specificity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

Anatomical variations in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The first dorsal compartment of the wrist includes tendons of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). However, many studies have showed multiple anatomical variations including anomalies in the number of both APL and EPB tendons and presence of intercompartmental fibro-osseous septum. Unfortunately, studies describing those variations are not consistent, hence, the aim of this study was to provide most accurate data about these anatomical variations in the population, using systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and a number of minor online libraries were searched. Articles which included exact data about the number of APL or EPB tendons or a presence of intercompartmental septum were qualified for a more precise evaluation. Therefore, out of 1629 studies initially evaluated, 68 were finally included in this meta-analysis. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 5229 studied wrists have been included in this study. Double APL and single EPB are the most common variations of tendons in the first dorsal compartment, both in cadavers and patients with de Quervain's disease, with no statistically significant differences between those two groups. Presence of intercompartmental fibro-osseus septum is much more common in patients with de Quervain's disease than in cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results should improve the awareness of anatomical variations in the first dorsal compartment, which in turn should have impact on treatment of de Quervain's disease in clinical practice.

Comparison of the effect of ketorolac versus triamcinolone acetonide injections for the treatment of de Quervain's tenosynovitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: De Quervain's disease is tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment causing severely painful radial-side wrist pain and impaired function. Steroids are effective in treating this condition due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, this drug causes problems such as hypopigmentation, and is contradicted in diabetes mellitus patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which are efficacious in shoulder pathology and not contraindicated in diabetics and can be used to avoid the local effects of steroids could be beneficial for some patients. The present study was a randomized controlled trial to examine the differences in pain scores and functional response to local injections of a corticosteroid and the NSAID ketorolac. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with radial styloid tenosynovitis were randomized using a computer-generated random number table into two groups receiving either a ketorolac injection or a triamcinolone injection. We evaluated post-injection pain intensity using a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS), functional outcomes using the Thai Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale, and evaluated grip and pinch strengths, recorded at baseline and 6 weeks after the injection. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants in the ketorolac group and 29 participants in the triamcinolone group completed the study and were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in the assessments at baseline. At the 6-week conclusion of the study, patients in the triamcinolone group had a statistically lower average pain score than in the ketorolac group (0.7 ± 2.0 vs 5.3 ± 3.2, P < 0.001), higher DASH functional score (4.4 ± 6.5 vs 34.1 ± 20.2, P < 0.001), higher right grip strength (60.8 ± 16.8 vs 49.2 ± 18.6, P < 0.015), and higher left grip strength (59.8 ± 18.1 vs 50.3 ± 18.0, P < 0.04). However, there was no difference in pinch strength. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that ketorolac injections resulted in inferior pain reduction, functional score and grip improvement than triamcinolone injection in patients with radial styloid tenosynovitis. Future studies are required to examine the effects of ketorolac in larger group and with longer follow-up periods to further elucidate the findings of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.in.th (TCTR20200909006).

The effects of taping on de Quervain's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic taping may be a useful modality in relieving pain, improving strength, and restoring the function of patients with De Quervain's Disease (DQD). Evidence on the effectiveness of therapeutic taping for DQD patients in mitigating its clinical signs and symptoms is not established. However, reviews report Kinesio Taping effects on musculoskeletal pains not specific to DQD. METHODS: The study followed the guideline statement of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Two researchers (RD and SN) searched the electronic databases and hand-searched for relevant journals. The relevant articles were selected using keywords found in titles and abstracts and, consequently, full-text manuscripts. A third researcher (VCDIII) resolved the disagreements between the two researchers. They used Review Manager 5.4 for risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis. Data were pooled to determine the therapeutic taping's overall effect. Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgin's (I2) statistic. The random-effects model was used if heterogeneity was high (>60%). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Approach determined the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Seven high-risk of bias clinical-controlled trials comprising 241 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The reported outcome measures were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Examination for Function and Power, and precision grip strength using a hand-held dynamometer and pinch gauge. Therapeutic taping did not improve the pain, power grip, grip strength, and function of participants with DQD (p > 0.05). Therapeutic taping compared to other physical therapy interventions did not reduce the VAS scores of 241 participants with DQD [SMD (95% CI) = -1.08 (-2.55,0.39), p = 0.15]. Kinesio taping with low-level laser therapy compared to ultrasound and exercise did not improve the function of 60 participants with DQD [SMD (95% CI) = 0.56 (-4.71,3.60), p = 0.79]. Therapeutic taping compared to ultrasound and Mulligan Pain Releasing Phenomenon did not improve the power grip strength of 50 participants with DQD [SMD (95% CI) = 1.24 (-0.83,3.31), p = 0.24]. Therapeutic taping was not better than phonophoresis in improving the precision grip strength of 50 participants with DQD [SMD (95% CI) = 0.43 (-1.95,2.80), p = 0.72]. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of therapeutic taping in treating patients with DQD. Therapeutic taping was no better than other treatment modalities in mitigating the clinical signs and symptoms of DQD (p > 0.05). Therapeutic taping did not affect wrist pain, handgrip, pincer strength, and function of participants with DQD (p > 0.05).