Prevalence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Syndrome among Egyptian Medical Students with Smartphone Addiction

Amer, Basil Aly Zaky Aly; ElKabalawy, Maher Ahmed; Hossam, Asmaa

doi:10.21608/bijpt.2025.378200.1086

Prevalence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Syndrome among Egyptian Medical Students with Smartphone Addiction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ B.Sc. in Physical Therapy, Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

² Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

³ Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.

10.21608/bijpt.2025.378200.1086

Abstract

Background: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Syndrome (DQT), characterized by inflammation of the thumb and wrist tendons, which is increasingly linked to repetitive smartphone use, particularly among university students. Its impact on functional hand strength and quality of life remains a critical concern. Purpose: Investigate the prevalence of De Quervain’s syndrome among Egyptian medical students with smartphone addiction and assess its association with usage patterns and demographic factors. old with smartphone addiction. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was made on medical collages of Cairo University. One hundred and eighty Egyptian medical students aged from 18 to 24 years were assessed using the Finkelstein test for De Quervain’s syndrome diagnosis, pinch dynamometer (lateral, two-point, three-point grip), and grip dynamometer. Smartphone addiction was evaluated via the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Data on demographics, hand dominance, and smartphone usage patterns were collected. Results: The prevalence of DQT was 35.6% in the dominant hand and 16.7% in the non-dominant hand. Participants with De Quervain’s syndrome exhibited significant reductions in grip strength and pinch strength compared to healthy peers. A significant association was found between De Quervain’s syndrome and social media usage with no statistical differences were observed by age, gender, or college. Conclusion: De quervain`s syndrome is prevalent among medical students with smartphone addiction, particularly in the dominant hand, and correlates with reduced hand strength. Preventive strategies, including ergonomic education and activity modification, are crucial to mitigate musculoskeletal risks.

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