Proximal Linear Extension of Skin Hypopigmentation After Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection for de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Case Presentation

de Quervain tenosynovitis is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist that can lead to painful functional impairment of the upper limb. This case presentation describes a rare adverse effect of corticosteroid injection (CSI) involving local skin atrophy and hypopigmentation with proximal linear extension. In this case, hypopigmentation developed from the wrist to beyond the elbow after CSI with ultrasound guidance and targeted placement of the injectate in the extensor tendon sheath of the first dorsal compartment. Dermal complications of CSI are rare but notable and potentially disfiguring events that should be discussed with every patient during the informed consent process before soft tissue CSIs.

Level of Evidence

V