Incidence of DeQuervain Tenosynovitis After Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

Background:

The incidence of distal radius fractures is increasing alongside an aging international demographic. Understanding the sequelae of these injuries is important for guiding treatment and counseling patients. One area of study is posttraumatic DeQuervain tenosynovitis following distal radius fracture. However, existing literature is limited to single-institution retrospective studies. A large, multicenter, database-driven study would more adequately represent the true incidence of posttraumatic DeQuervain tenosynovitis.

Methods:

The TriNetX database was queried to determine the incidence of DeQuervain tenosynovitis after distal radius fractures. The 1-year odds of DeQuervain tenosynovitis was compared with that of the general population. Risk was stratified based on treatment modality. Odds ratios were calculated to assess statistical significance.

Results:

A total of 481 399 nonoperative distal radius fractures and 71 424 operative distal radius fractures were included. Compared with the general population, patients with a previous distal radius fracture had increased odds ratios for developing DeQuervain tenosynovitis ranging from 7.4 to 14.5. Among nonoperative patients, 1540 (0.35%) developed DeQuervain tenosynovitis compared with 438 (0.69%) in the operative group. First dorsal compartment release was performed in 213 patients (0.04%) in the nonoperative cohort, compared with 121 patients (0.17%) in the operative cohort. Matched analyses demonstrated increased risk for both DeQuervain tenosynovitis and first dorsal compartment release in operatively treated patients versus nonoperatively treated patients, with odds ratios of 1.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.5) and 2.43 (1.72-3.41), respectively.

Conclusions:

Patients with nonoperative and operative distal radius fractures develop DeQuervain tenosynovitis at greater rates than the general population. Operative treatment for distal radius fractures confers a slightly greater risk of developing DeQuervain tenosynovitis within 1 year of injury or surgery.