Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one finger gets stuck in a bent position. Inflammation that narrows the space within the sheath surrounding the finger tendon, most commonly at the level of the first annular (A1) pulley, results in difficulty flexing or extending the finger. The finger may straighten with a snap - like a trigger on a gun. Trigger finger is a common hand condition among adults between 40 and 60 years of age, and repetitive gripping and grasping is often the underlying cause. While the condition can occur throughout the day, it is often worse in the morning. The condition occurs more frequently in women and in patients with diabetes, gout, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Trigger digits that fail to respond to two corticosteroid injections usually require surgical treatment (usually outpatient, under local anesthesia), in the form of a surgical release of the A1 pulley. The surgeon cuts the sheath that is restricting the tendon using one of two methods. In the percutaneous method, either a small needle or a needle-like device is inserted into the skin and used to sever the A1 pulley. This method is often better for the index, middle, and ring fingers. In the open technique, a small incision is made in the skin (in most instances with minimal scarring). This has proven more effective for the thumb or little finger.
Surgical consultation for operative treatment may be required. Typically, such procedures are performed by an orthopedic hand surgeon or a plastic surgeon. Surgical release of the A1 pulley is generally an elective procedure and may not be covered by insurance.
Tendon sheath incision (e.g. for trigger finger)
Incise finger tendon sheath
Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch or lock in a flexed (bent) position. The tendon that bends the finger becomes caught on the other side of a small sheath that surrounds the tendon, which creates the catching and locking symptoms. Through a small incision (about 1 cm) at the end of the palm, the sheath is visualized and cut, allowing the tendon to move freely.
Tendon sheath incision (e.g. for trigger finger)
A surgical procedure performed to alleviate the catching and locking of the fingers associated with Trigger Finger. This procedures involves the surgeon making one or more small incisions on the palm to access the tendon sheath of the affected finger. Once the tendon sheath is accessed it is decompressed allowing the release of the Trigger Finger and restoring normal function to the finger.The incision is then closed with either a stitch or sterile adhesive strips.
Trigger finger release is performed as an outpatient procedure using a minimally invasive approach at Regency Healthcare’s state of the art surgical facility. Patients will not need to stay overnight and will be able to leave the surgical practice the same day.
The physician releases the finger tendon for better movement.
Tendon sheath incision (e.g. for trigger finger)
Trigger finger, trigger thumb, or trigger digit, is a common disorder characterized by catching, snapping or locking of the involved finger flexor tendon, associated with dysfunction and pain. A disparity in size between the flexor tendon and the surrounding retinacular pulley system, most commonly at the level of the first annular (A1) pulley, results in difficulty flexing or extending the finger and the “triggering” phenomenon. The label of trigger finger is used because when the finger unlocks, it pops back suddenly, as if releasing a trigger on a gun.