In tenosynovitis (synonyms: Tenosynovitis; Tendosynovitis; Tendovaginitis; Tenosynovitis; Tenosynovitis of the hand; Tenosynovitis of the hip; Tenosynovitis of the spine; Tenosynovitis of the elbow; Tenosynovitis of the foot; Tenosynovitis of the buttock; Tenosynovitis of the wrist; Tenosynovitis of the knee; Tenosynovitis of the ankle; Tenosynovitis of the forearm; Tenosynovitis of a finger; Tenosynovitis of a toe; Tenovaginitis; Tenovaginitis of the wrist; Tenovaginitis of the knee; Tenovaginitis of the forearm; ICD-10 M65. 9) is an inflammation of the tendon sheaths.
Tendon sheaths are designed to reduce friction between tendon segments. Inflammation of the tendon sheaths is usually the result of persistent monotonous movements or even permanently incorrect posture. Tenosynovitis can also occur in the context of inflammatory arthritis or as a result of an infection by chlamydia or mycoplasma, for example.
Tenosynovitis occurs mainly in the wrist area, but also in the ankle area.
The following forms of tenosynovitis can be distinguished:
- Acute tenosynovitis
- Chronic tenosynovitis
- Tendovaginitis stenosans de Quervain (synonyms: Quervain’s disease; “housewife’s thumb,” digitus saltans/snapping finger; snapping finger); nonspecific inflammation in the area of the tendon sheaths of the musculus abductor pollicis longus (lat. “long thumb extensor”) and the Musculus extensor pollicis brevis (lat. “short thumb spreader”) in the first extensor tendon compartment; snapping finger or fasting finger is explained by a tendon sliding disorder. If the finger is moved, the tendon can “hook” in full flexion.Occurrence in middle-aged and older women/only occasionally in men.
According to histology, different types of tenosynovitis can be distinguished:
- Purulent tenosynovitis
- Fibrinous tenosynovitis
- Necrotizing tenosynovitis
- Phlegmonous tenosynovitis
- Serous tenosynovitis
Sex ratio: tendovaginitis de Quervain affects women (esp. during pregnancy and lactation) more often than men.
Frequency peak: tendovaginitis de Quervain occurs most often in people over 40 years, but can also occur in younger people.
Course and prognosis: Acute tenosynovitis heals with pharmacotherapy (drug treatment) after a few days. However, it can also become chronic, in which case healing takes several weeks to months. If left untreated, significant relief of symptoms can be expected after three months. Overall, the prognosis is good.Tenosynovitis associated with pregnancy resolves on its own in most cases after the end of breastfeeding.