Not All De Quervains are De Quervains - A Rare Case Report
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Vale Speciality Ortho Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract
Introduction: Acute calcific tendinitis is a benign, painful condition commonly described in the shoulder and frequently seen in diabetic patients, especially females. It is usually self-limiting and relieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rarely requiring surgery. Calcific tendinitis involving the wrist is less common and often underdiagnosed, leading to improper treatment. Calcific tendinitis of the first extensor compartment of the wrist has not been previously reported and may be mistaken for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or cellulitis. This case report aims to highlight this rare presentation to avoid diagnostic errors. Case Report: A 57-year-old diabetic female presented with a 2-week history of progressive severe pain over the dorsoradial aspect of the left wrist without trauma or fever. Initially diagnosed as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis with a positive Finkelstein test, she did not respond to NSAIDs and splinting. Radiographs revealed calcification at the base of the first metacarpal. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed calcific tendinitis of the first extensor compartment. Surgical release revealed chalky white calcium phosphate deposits. Post-operatively, the patient had complete symptom resolution and regained full, pain-free wrist movement. Conclusion: Although rare, acute calcific tendinitis of the wrist can mimic De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Radiographic evaluation is essential when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and avoid prolonged unnecessary NSAID and antibiotic use.
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BibTeX
@article{hameed2026quervains,
title = {{Not All De Quervains are De Quervains - A Rare Case Report}},
author = {Hany Hameed and Vivek Kumar Gupta and Jeash Narayan Kanthalu Subramanian and Nehasri Kuppa Srinivas Bapu and Kanthalu Narayanan Subramanian},
journal = {Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i11.8442},
url = {https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i11.8442},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Not All De Quervains are De Quervains - A Rare Case Report
AU - Hany Hameed
AU - Vivek Kumar Gupta
AU - Jeash Narayan Kanthalu Subramanian
AU - Nehasri Kuppa Srinivas Bapu
AU - Kanthalu Narayanan Subramanian
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/01
JO - Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
DO - 10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i11.8442
UR - https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2026.v16.i11.8442
AB - Introduction: Acute calcific tendinitis is a benign, painful condition commonly described in the shoulder and frequently seen in diabetic patients, especially females. It is usually self-limiting and relieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rarely requiring surgery. Calcific tendinitis involving the wrist is less common and often underdiagnosed, leading to improper treatment. Calcific tendinitis of the first extensor compartment of the wrist has not been previously reported and may be mistaken for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or cellulitis. This case report aims to highlight this rare presentation to avoid diagnostic errors. Case Report: A 57-year-old diabetic female presented with a 2-week history of progressive severe pain over the dorsoradial aspect of the left wrist without trauma or fever. Initially diagnosed as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis with a positive Finkelstein test, she did not respond to NSAIDs and splinting. Radiographs revealed calcification at the base of the first metacarpal. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed calcific tendinitis of the first extensor compartment. Surgical release revealed chalky white calcium phosphate deposits. Post-operatively, the patient had complete symptom resolution and regained full, pain-free wrist movement. Conclusion: Although rare, acute calcific tendinitis of the wrist can mimic De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Radiographic evaluation is essential when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and avoid prolonged unnecessary NSAID and antibiotic use.
SN - 2250-0685
SN - 2321-3817
ER -