PREVALENCE OF DE QUERVAIN’SS TENOSYNOVITIS IN CANVAS PAINTERS

Abstract

Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s syndrome or disease, is a common wrist condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This condition involves inflammation and irritation of the tendons controlling thumb movement, specifically the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL). Pain is typically reproduced during resisted thumb movements, especially when these tendons glide within the fibrous tunnel under the radial styloid and extensor retinaculum.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis among canvas painters who frequently perform repetitive wrist and thumb movements.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2023, involving 97 canvas painters aged 20 to 40 years who painted for more than 4 hours per day. Participants were recruited from various institutions, including NTU, FITIF, The University of Faisalabad, and Agriculture University. Informed consent was obtained, and participants completed the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire to assess pain intensity and functional limitations. The Finkelstein test was performed to confirm the diagnosis of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 software.

Results: Out of 97 participants, 49 (50.5%) tested positive for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis using the Finkelstein test, while 48 (49.5%) tested negative. The gender distribution showed that 38.1% of participants were male and 61.9% were female, with a mean age of 24 years (SD = 4.5). Pain levels, as per the PRWE, ranged from mild to severe, with 33% experiencing moderate pain and 17.5% reporting severe pain.

Conclusion: The study concludes that De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is prevalent among canvas painters, affecting 50.5% of the population surveyed. The repetitive hand and wrist movements involved in canvas painting, such as gripping brushes and applying pressure, contribute significantly to the development of this condition. Proper education and preventive measures are essential to mitigate risks associated with repetitive strain injuries in this population.