KLEINERT KUTZ Hand Care CenterWWHAT HAT CCAUSESAUSES TRIGGER FINGER?TRIGGER FINGER? Specifi c causes...
Transcript of KLEINERT KUTZ Hand Care CenterWWHAT HAT CCAUSESAUSES TRIGGER FINGER?TRIGGER FINGER? Specifi c causes...
Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
Downtown Louisville, KY Offi ce:Downtown Louisville, KY Offi ce:225 Abraham Flexner Way
Suite 700Louisville, KY 40202
East Louisville, KY Offi ce:East Louisville, KY Offi ce:3900 Kresge Way
Suite 43Louisville, KY 40207
Lexington, KY Offi ce:Lexington, KY Offi ce:230 Fountain Court
Suite 375Lexington, KY 40509
New Albany, IN Offi ce:New Albany, IN Offi ce:3605 Northgate Court
Suite 101 - Surgery CenterSuite 102 - Clinic
New Albany, IN 47150
Chamberlain Pointe Offi ce:Chamberlain Pointe Offi ce:4642 Chamberlain Lane
Suite 202Louisville, KY 40241
For more information contact us at:502-561-HAND (4263)502-561-HAND (4263)
1-800-477-42631-800-477-4263www.kleinertkutz.comwww.kleinertkutz.com
© 2011 Christine M. Kleinert Institutefor Hand and Microsurgery, Inc.
TRIGGERTRIGGERFINGERFINGER
502-561-HAND (4263)1-800-477-4263
www.kleinertkutz.com Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
WHAT IS TRIGGER FINGER?WHAT IS TRIGGER FINGER?Trigger fi nger or tenosynovitis is infl am-
mation of the tendon. The fl exor tendons
are the terminal extensions of the fore
arm muscles. The tendons enter the hand
through the wrist and insert on the bones
of the fi ngers to produce fl exion or bending.
They glide smoothly in tunnels with narrow
sections called pulleys. The pulleys function
to maintain the tendons within the tunnels.
At times the tendons may develop a dis-
crete nodule or swelling. The smooth glid-
ing of the tendon within the tunnel is inter-
rupted as the tendon becomes stuck at the
narrow portions of the tunnel. The narrow
portions correspond to the pulleys. Patients
describe a locking, popping, or catching
sensation associated with pain when the
tendon becomes caught. Initially, patients
may think there is a problem with the fi nger
knuckle not realizing the problem lies with
the tendon. At times, the triggering may be
so severe that the other hand must be used
to straighten the locked fi nger.
WHAT WHAT CAUSESCAUSES TRIGGER FINGER? TRIGGER FINGER?Specifi c causes for trigger fi nger are not
entirely clear, but it can be associated with
other conditions such as gout, osteoarthri-
tis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
WWHAT ARE THE SIGNS HAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?AND SYMPTOMS?
Initially, the patient may feel pain or ten-
derness in the palm. A knot or nodule can
be felt in the palm as well. More than one
fi nger or either hand can be aff ected by the
condition including the thumb.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?Initially, trigger fi nger can be treated con-
servatively with oral anti-infl ammatory
medication and splinting. Local steroid
injections are off ered if the patient does not
respond to conservative treatment. A series
of injections may be necessary to allow
complete resolution of symptoms. Lastly,
operative intervention becomes neces-
sary in those patients who fail to respond
to injections and remain symptomatic. The
goal of surgery is to cut the narrow portion
of the tunnel in order to provide room for
the enlarged tendon to pass through freely.
After surgery, patients may begin active
movement of their fi nger. Post-operative
pain is minimal in most patients. Physical
therapy may be necessary following surgery
in some patients