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