Trigger Finger

Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bone. The muscles that move the fingers and thumb are located in the forearm, above the wrist. Long tendons, called the flexor tendons, extend from the muscles through the wrist and attach to the small bones of the finger and thumb.

The trigger finger is an inflammation of the synovial sheath that surrounds the flexor tendon of a finger. This condition, which is very frequent, causes intermittent or more permanent pains and blockages of the finger

The flexor tendon can become irritated as it slides through the tendon sheath tunnel. As it becomes more and more irritated, the tendon may thicken and nodules may form, making its passage through the tunnel more difficult.

In severe cases, the finger cannot be straightened, event with help.

To make a precise diagnosis, your surgeon will rely primarily on clinical examination and an in-depth questionnaire on the circumstances of symptom onset. He can rely on complementary examinations to identify associated bone or ligament injuries. Inquire in advance is mandatory to perform the most appropriate examination.

Treatment options

Medical treatment

It is possible to calm the painful and inflammatory phenomena by the prescription of analgesics, and oral anti-inflammatories or by an infiltration of corticosteroids. However, it is not recommended to increase the number of infiltrations as cortisone can weaken the tendon.

Surgical treatment

The surgery is performed through a small Z-shaped incision in the palm or sometimes with the tip of a needle. The tendon sheath tunnel is cut. When it heals back together, the sheath is looser and the tendon has more room to move through it. See more

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