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Tenosynovitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Inflammation of the tendon sheath

Definition of Tenosynovitis:

Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the lining of the sheath that surrounds a tendon (the cord that joins muscle to bone).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The synovium is a lining of the protective sheath that covers tendons. Tenosynovitis is inflammation of this sheath. The cause of the inflammation may be unknown, or it may result from:

Infection
Injury
Overuse
Strain

The wrists, hands, and feet are commonly affected. However, the condition may occur with any tendon sheath.

Note: An infected cut to the hands or wrists that causes tenosynovitis may be an emergency requiring surgery.

Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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