De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is clinically characterized by severe, stenosing inflammation within the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist. Which two specific tendons are entrapped and must be surgically released if conservative management fails?

Explanation:
The correct option is c. The first dorsal extensor compartment contains the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons. Inflammation here causes severe radial-sided wrist pain exacerbated by thumb motion. During surgical release, the surgeon must be highly vigilant to locate and decompress separate subcompartments, as the EPB tendon frequently resides in its own isolated fibrous tunnel within the first compartment, causing surgical failure if missed. Reference: Green's Operative Hand Surgery. Frequently tested Ortho mcq.