Trigger finger, also known as STENOSING TENOSYNOVITIS, is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position usually at the A1 pulley in which it glides and may suddenly straighten with a snap. This condition results from the constriction of the fibrous digital sheath, so that free gliding of the flexor tendon does not occur in its sheath and is usually seen in persons older than 45 years of age.
In adults, it is a distinct and separate entity from “congenital” trigger thumb.
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
-Finger stiffness, especially in the morning.
-Pain at the base of the affected finger, usually on trying to passively extend the finger.
-Painful locking or snapping of the finger, when attempting to straighten a bent finger.
-A popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves.
-Pain and tenderness at the A1 pulley and/or a lump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
-Often there is a palpable nodule in the palmar course of the tendon.
Treatment
Initially steroid injection is given into the sheath. If this fails, then surgical release of the A1 pulley of the flexor tendon sheath should be performed under local anaesthesia.
In infants the condition usually resolves spontaneously.
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