Frequency of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis among Instrumental Musicians of Lahore and its Impact on Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common overuse disorder affecting the tendons of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Instrumental musicians are particularly susceptible because of repetitive thumb, finger, and wrist movements required during performance. However, evidence regarding its frequency and functional impact among Pakistani musicians remains limited. Objective: To determine the frequency of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and evaluate its impact on activities of daily living among instrumental musicians in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 instrumental musicians recruited from Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore, using non-probability convenience sampling. Participants aged 20–59 years underwent screening using Finkelstein’s test. Individuals with positive findings were further assessed using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire to evaluate pain severity and functional limitations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 138 musicians, 96 (69.6%) were male and 42 (30.4%) were female. Finkelstein’s test was positive in 60 participants, yielding a frequency of 43.5% for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Among affected participants, 58 (96.7%) reported mild functional limitations, 1 (1.7%) reported no impact, and 1 (1.7%) reported moderate impairment in activities of daily living. Mild pain was reported by 53 participants (88.3%), while 7 (11.7%) experienced moderate pain. No cases of severe pain or severe disability were observed. Conclusion: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis was highly prevalent among instrumental musicians in Lahore. Although the condition was common, most affected individuals experienced only mild pain and mild functional limitations.

Keywords: Activities of Daily Living, De Quervain Disease, Musicians, Occupational Health, Overuse Injury, Repetitive Strain Injury, Tendinopathy, Wrist Pain.