Tendon sheath inflammation X-ray manifestations

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on February 18, 2025
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Tendon sheath inflammation typically shows no noticeable abnormalities in the early stages on X-rays. However, in cases of recurrent constrictive tendon sheath inflammation, it may lead to abnormal changes in the local ligaments and joints, such as ectopic ossification, calcification, and bone proliferation. Generally, an X-ray examination of tendon sheath inflammation shows no significant local abnormalities. In stubborn cases, which relapse after multiple treatments, X-rays may reveal changes such as bony proliferation or ectopic ossification with high-density shadows.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What ointment is used for tenosynovitis?

Tendon sheath inflammation is a sterile inflammation caused by overwork and frequent flexing and extending of the tendon, leading to repeated abrasion and compression within the fibrous sheath of the tendon sheath. This results in local exudation, swelling, and fibrosis, which narrows the sheath canal. If the symptoms are mild, conservative treatment can be chosen, such as applying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters for symptomatic treatment, combined with rest, immobilization, and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms worsen, local encapsulation treatment may be necessary. If symptoms persist and conservative treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be required.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Tendon sheath inflammation hot compress method

Heat application can play a certain role in improving the symptoms of tenosynovitis. You can use a hot towel or a hot water bottle and apply it to the affected area for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and you can apply heat several times a day. Be careful to avoid burns during heat application. Heat helps promote circulation and can help reduce the symptoms of tenosynovitis and promote recovery. At the same time, patients should also rest and stop any frequent activities. In addition, they can use anti-inflammatory pain relievers and drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, along with physical therapy, injections, and other treatments to improve symptoms and aid recovery. When there is an impairment of movement, surgical treatment can also be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How is tenosynovitis diagnosed?

Tendinitis mostly occurs in the wrist joints that frequently flex and extend, as well as in the thumb and corresponding metacarpophalangeal joints. It is largely due to the repetitive flexion and extension movements of the fingers and wrist joints, such as those performed by noodle makers in restaurants, vegetable cutters, and some handcraft laborers. Repeated movements irritate the local tendon sheaths causing inflammation, leading to relative narrowing, which prevents the tendons from flexing and moving normally. This results in a condition known as stenosing tendinitis. These are the common causes and symptoms of the condition, enabling a clear diagnosis.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is electrothermal therapy effective for tendinitis?

Regarding the question of whether electrothermal therapy is effective for tenosynovitis. First, it needs to be affirmed that electrothermal therapy is beneficial for patients with tenosynovitis. The primary purpose of electrothermal therapy is to promote local blood circulation and facilitate the absorption of inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of the patient's tenosynovitis, and the results are quite good. Therefore, patients with tenosynovitis can undergo electrothermal therapy. In addition, for patients with tenosynovitis, local injections, topical plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and daily local hot washing can also be performed. Hot washing with Sichuan pepper and salt in hot water is usually sufficient. For patients with severe tenosynovitis, it is necessary to actively pursue surgical treatment.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to treat tenosynovitis?

In clinical practice, the treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis is divided into three stages. The first stage involves general treatments, including early immobilization, followed by localized heat therapy, microwave therapy, and shock wave therapy, as well as the topical application of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications. If there is no improvement after one week of conservative treatment, the second stage is initiated. The second stage involves an injection treatment, which is quite effective for this type of tenosynovitis in clinical practice. Generally, one or two injections can significantly alleviate symptoms, and some people may even fully recover. However, if after three injections the symptoms do not improve or worsen, further injections should be avoided, as this method is not beneficial for you, and you would then proceed to the third stage. The third stage involves surgical treatment. There are two types of surgical treatments: one involves a minor procedure using a small needle knife in traditional Chinese medicine, and the other involves conventional surgery. However, for radial styloid stenosing tenosynovitis, surgery is generally recommended due to the proximity of the radial nerve, which could be at risk of damage.