Prevalence of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Cobblers

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in cobblers. Objective: To assess De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis using the Finkelstein’s test in cobblers. Methodology: 350 subjects were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A written informed consent was taken from the subjects, and were explained about the procedure. The Finkelstein test was performed in the dominant hand of the subject. A positive test indicated by a sharp shooting pain over the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons at the wrist contributing to the painful entrapment of these two tendons. The data was collected and further evaluated statistically. Statistics & Results: Total 350 Cobblers were included in the study out of which 35% of total population assessed had De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. When assessed within this positive result, 84% showed symptoms perceiving in right hand, and 16% in their left hand particularly based on the hand of dominance of the cobblers. Conclusions: The study concludes that the prevalence of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is fairly high in cobblers due to their self-limiting working pattern and requires ergonomic interventions and awareness about postural correction to prevent further musculoskeletal problems. Key words: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, Cobblers, Finkelstein Test, Work Related Musculoskeletal Dis-orders, Wrist Tendonitis.