2025 ABSA Orthopedic Practice Test – Complete Exam Preparation

Tenosynovitis is characterized by the inflammation of the synovium, which is the protective sheath surrounding a tendon. This condition can result from repetitive use, injury, or infection, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected tendon. The inflammation specifically targets the synovial lining, which can restrict mobility and cause discomfort.

In contrast, arthritis typically refers to the inflammation of joints rather than the synovium, which is a broader category encompassing various types of joint disease. Capsulitis involves the inflammation of the joint capsule itself, rather than the synovium around tendons. Bursitis, on the other hand, involves the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, rather than the surrounding synovial sheaths of tendons. Thus, the primary focus of tenosynovitis on the synovial sheath makes it the correct identification for this condition.