Clin Orthop Surg.  2025 Apr;17(2):308-316. 10.4055/cios24127.

Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound and Surgical Findings in Anatomical Variations of de Quervain’s Disease

• Lee YS
• Choi WS
• Baek SH
• Kang H
• Lee CH

• KMID: 2565833
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios24127

Abstract

Background
This study compares ultrasound and surgical findings of anatomical variations in de Quervain’s disease.
Methods
Seventy-four wrists from patients with unilateral de Quervain’s disease were examined through ultrasonography and surgery. Presence of intracompartment septum, abductor pollicis longus (APL) slips, and selective stenosis were verified by both methods. Two orthopedic surgeons assessed ultrasound findings for intra- and interobserver reliability.
Results
Amongst 74 participants (43 women and 31 men), 60.8% had a complete septum, 31.1% had an incomplete septum, and 8.1% had no septum; 70.3% had multi-slip APL and 66.2% had extensor pollicis brevis stenosis. Surgical and ultrasonographic findings displayed a high level of sensitivity and specificity. Intraobserver reliability was high, and interobserver reliability was substantial.
Conclusions
The study confirms ultrasonography’s reliability in identifying anatomical variations in de Quervain’s disease, with high sensitivity, specificity, and substantial intra- and interobserver reliability, emphasizing its usefulness in preoperative assessment and planning.

Keyword

De Quervain disease; Ultrasonography anatomical variations; Septum; Multi-slip; Selective stenosis