Prevalence of de Quervain's Disease in the General Population and Risk Factors

Abstract

Background & Aims : De Quervain's disease is known as a representative disease that causes wrist pain, however, its epidemiology remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of de Quervain's disease among the general population and to identify its risk factors. Methods : The subjects participated in the examinations consisted of 402 people (total of 804 hands), including 157 males and 245 females with mean age of 64.1 years. We recorded the subjects' background and medical history and then performed physical examinations. We determined the prevalence of de Quervain's disease and conducted a statistical analysis to investigate their background factors. Results : De Quervain's disease was present in 3.7% (15/402 people) and the prevalence by age group was 9.8% in their forties, 3.6% in their fifties, 1.8% in their sixties, 3.9% in their seventies, and 3.7% in their eighties. The prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males. No difference was found in terms of the mean age, hand dominance, height, weight, heaviness of labor activity and presence of medical complication. Conclusions : In the general population, 3.7% of 402 people had de Quervain's disease, and its risk factor was identified to be females.