Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 41 of 2019 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 42 of 2019 |
SOP bulletin information on new SOPs
ICD-10-AM Coding
M65.4
Brief description
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.
Confirming the diagnosis
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.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Nil
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Osteoarthritis* first carpometacarpal joint
- Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis* - trigger finger SOP
- Trigger finger*
* Another SOP applies
Clinical onset
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.
Clinical worsening
The condition is usually self-limiting, with resolution typically after approximately one year. Conservative and surgical treatment options are available.