De Quervain’s syndrome is an inflammatory disorder that occurs within the first dorsal extensor compartment and involves the extensor pollicis brevis tendon and abductor pollicis longus tendon and their common tendon sheath (Fig. 7.102). Patients typically present with significant wrist pain preventing appropriate flexion/extension and abduction of the thumb. The cause of this disorder is often overuse. For example, the syndrome is common in young mothers who are constantly lifting young children. Other causes include inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.