Prevalence of De-Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Tailors of Multan (Punjab)

Abstract

Purpose: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is inflammation of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons that run from the side of the wrist to the base of the thumb. To see the frequency of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and work related risk factors in tailors of Multan, Pakistan Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Sample size of the research was 246. Study was conducted at the city of Pakistan, Multan. Inclusion criteria of the study were tailors of age between twenty to fifty years having experience of more than 3 years. Data was collected to the selected population, through convenient sampling technique. Duration of the study was 8 months. Outcome measures of the study were Finkelstein test, Visual analogue scale and a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Findings: Out of 246 participants, 72.3% were males and 27.6% were females. Prevalence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis was found to be 64% in tailors of Multan through Finkelstein test. 25.6% of the participants had moderate, while 22.3% had extreme discomfort in lower back. 35.3% reported to have mild discomfort in arms. 52.4% had mild to moderate discomfort in wrist or hand. 19.91% reported not to have an enough space for work. 44.30% did not have adjustable chairs. 69.91% reported to have no back rest while sewing, 63% reported unavailability of foot rest and 64.63% had no arm rest while sewing. Recommendations: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is prevalent in tailors of Multan, Pakistan. Work-related discomfort was found in various regions of body including eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and hand. Chairs with no adjustable height, unavailability of arm and foot rest and no back support were associated work related risk factors in tailors.