Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 41 of 2019 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 42 of 2019 |
SOP Bulletin 207 [3]
M65.4
This condition involves the tendons of two muscles (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) that move the thumb laterally, away from the palm. It is a common cause of pain or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist. It can involve either hand, or be bilateral.
This diagnosis is made on clinical grounds and can be made by a GP. If both hands are affected then separate diagnoses may need to be made, depending on when clinical onset has been in each hand and whether there is a causal factor common to both sides.
The relevant medical specialist is an orthopaedic surgeon.
Nil
* Another SOP applies
Clinical onset will be based on when symptoms first developed. Typical symptoms are pain at the radial side of the wrist, worse with thumb movement or when holding or gripping objects and, less commonly, swelling and tenderness on the radial side of the wrist.
The condition is usually self-limiting, with resolution typically after approximately one year. Conservative and surgical treatment options are available.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2019/041.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2019/042.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20207.pdf