De – quern’s tenovaginitis involves ?
**Core Concept**
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a stenosing tenosynovitis affecting the tendons of the thumb, particularly the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons. These tendons are located within a common tendon sheath, which is involved in the pathology of the condition.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The condition arises due to repetitive strain or trauma to the tendons, leading to inflammation of the tendon sheath and subsequent narrowing of the tendon's gliding pathway. This results in pain and tenderness along the radial and dorsal aspect of the wrist, particularly with thumb movements. The APL and EPB tendons are responsible for thumb abduction and extension, respectively, making De Quervain's tenosynovitis a common condition in individuals who perform repetitive thumb movements, such as typing or playing musical instruments.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect as De Quervain's tenosynovitis does not primarily involve the flexor tendons of the thumb.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect as De Quervain's tenosynovitis is not a condition of the wrist joint itself, but rather a stenosing tenosynovitis affecting the tendon sheath.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect as De Quervain's tenosynovitis is not a condition affecting the median nerve, but rather a tendinopathy involving the APL and EPB tendons.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A useful clinical correlation for De Quervain's tenosynovitis is that it often presents in women, particularly those between 30 and 50 years of age, who are more likely to perform activities that involve repetitive thumb movements.
**Correct Answer: D. Tendons of the thumb (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis)**