Strain-based elastography assessment of patients with De Quervain tenosynovitis: A preliminary study

Introduction: The development of the condition is occurs by repeated strain of the APL and EPB tendons as they pass under a thickened and swollen extensor retinaculum. De Quervain tenosynovitis prevalence is about 0.5% in males and 1.3% in females. In the recent years, De Quervain tenosynovitis incidence increases by virtue of modern life conditions such as excessive computer use and increased use of cellular phones. Materials and methods: The final study population comprised 52 subjects; 30 diseased (patients) (group 1) and 22 healthy subjects (volunteers) (group 2). All participants were subject to; (1) history taking, (2) clinical examination to prove or eliminate the presence of tenosynovitis, (3) US, and (4) MRI. Results: Strain-based elastography positive predictive value was 95%, negative predictive value was 90%, sensitivity 92%, and specificity 93%. Conclusion: In conclusion, we can postulate that strain-based elastography ratio can be used confidently and quantitatively to diagnose De Quervain tenosynovitis