What is trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis?
Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly known as “trigger finger” or “trigger
thumb”, involves the pulleys and tendons in the hand that bend the fingers.
The tendons work like long ropes connecting the muscles of the forearm with
the bones of the fingers and thumb. In the finger, the pulleys are a series
of rings that form a tunnel through which the tendons must glide, much like
the guides on a fishing rod through which the line (or tendon) must pass.
These pulleys hold the tendons close against the bone. The tendons and the
tunnel have a slick lining that allows easy gliding of the tendon through
the pulleys (see Figure 1).
Trigger finger/thumb occurs when the pulley at the base of the finger becomes too thick and constricting around the tendon, making it hard for the tendon to move freely through the pulley. Sometimes the tendon develops a nodule (knot) or swelling of its lining. Because of the increased resistance to the gliding of the tendon through the pulley, one may feel pain, popping, or a catching feeling in the finger or thumb (see Figure 2). The catching or triggering action is distinctive, as seen in this brief video clip of a ring trigger finger: video demonstration (may take up to two minutes to load). When the tendon catches, it produces inflammation and more swelling. This causes a vicious cycle of triggering, inflammation, and swelling. Sometimes the finger becomes stuck or locked, and is hard to straighten or bend.
What causes trigger finger / stenosing tenosynovitis?
Causes for this condition are not always clear. Some trigger fingers are
associated with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and
diabetes. Local trauma to the palm/base of the finger may be a factor on
occasion, but in most cases there is not a clear cause. Having a
trigger finger does not mean that you have had trauma or that you have a
metabolic condition such as gout or diabetes but in those groups of patients
the problem of trigger finger may present more often or in a more severe
delayed fashion.
Signs and symptoms of trigger finger / stenosing
tenosynovitis
Trigger finger/thumb may start with discomfort felt at the base of the
finger or thumb, where they join the palm. This area is often tender to
local pressure. A nodule may sometimes be found in this area. When the
finger begins to trigger or lock, the patient may think the problem is at
the middle knuckle of the finger or the tip knuckle of the thumb, since the
tendon that is sticking is the one that moves these joints. Xrays are taken
to rule out arthritis but while arthritis may be present often the pain in
the joint comes from the trigger mechanism and is not true joint pain.
Treatment of trigger finger / stenosing tenosynovitis
The goal of treatment in trigger finger/thumb is to eliminate the catching
or locking and allow full movement of the finger or thumb without
discomfort. Swelling around the flexor tendon and tendon sheath must be
reduced to allow smooth gliding of the tendon. The wearing of a splint or
taking an oral anti-inflammatory medication may sometimes help. Treatment
may also include changing activities to reduce swelling. An injection of
steroid into the area around the tendon and pulley is often effective in
relieving the trigger finger/thumb.
If non-surgical forms of treatment do not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be recommended. This surgery is performed as an outpatient, usually in the operating room as a day stay procedure with mild sedation and local anesthesia. The goal of surgery is to open the pulley at the base of the finger so that the tendon can glide more freely. Active motion of the finger generally begins immediately after surgery. Normal use of the hand can usually be resumed once comfort permits. Some patients may feel tenderness, discomfort, and swelling about the area of their surgery longer than others. Occasionally, hand therapy is required after surgery to regain better use.
There are times when a reduced range of motion, tenosynovitis, tenodesis or extensive involvement requires more than just a release. This is especially true for more chronic longstanding cases that present witha locked finger or with significant reduction in range of motion or tenodesis. Often associated arthritis of the finger joints can co present and contribute to stiffness getting worse faster than if there were just a trigger finger alone.
Figure 1: Normal anatomy flexor sheath showing pulley,
tendon, and tenosynovium.
Figure 2: Abnormal anatomy showing tendon catching thick, tight pulley. Sometimes the tendon will be locally enlarged and thicker.
© 2006 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Developed by the ASSH
Public Education Committee.
Adapted, modified taken from ASSH website by www.handctr.com
trigger_finger.pdf