Trigger finger

When after bending, a finger can only stretch back straight again a painful ‘snap’, this is what is known as trigger finger. The cause is a thickening of the flexor tendon, a so-called tendon node, which prevents the tendon from sliding past under a retaining ligament in the palm.

Symptoms: The first symptoms appear when a finger, after a fist closure, does not retract straight again spontaneously or only after a jerk. Later, pain occurs when extending the finger. In very late stages, the finger has to be made straight again using a passive force applied by the patient.

Therapy: Through a small operative procedure which we usually perform on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthetic, the annular ligament which hinders the tendon sliding in the palm is cut into two. The finger is then immediately able to move freely.