Diseases

Introduction

Stenosing tenosynovitis is also called trigger finger.  In early stage, patient may have pain and triggering at digit.  In late stage, patient may experience flexion contracture or difficulty of extension of the digit.  Some patients may have more than one digit involvement.

Tendon is wrapped inside a tunnel shaped tendon sheath.  In normal situation, there is enough space inside the tendon sheath allowing smooth grinding of tendon.  Excessive finger flexion extension movement or long term forceful hand gripping can cause narrowing of the tunnel, resulting in trigger finger.

Treatment

Early treatment includes resting, use of anti-inflmmatory medication, physiotherapy, steroid injection etc.  If the above methods were not useful, referral to orthopaedic surgeon for trigger finger release operation can be considered.

Surgical Procedure of trigger finger release

Day surgery
Usually don under local anaesthesia
Skin incision at base of involved digit in the palm
Release of thicken flexor tendon sheath
Skin closure with stitches

After the Procedure

Regular mobilization of involved digits
Off stitches at around 2 weeks

Possible risks and complications

Common Risks and Complications

Wound infection, adhesion, scarring and residual pain, recurrence of triggering

Uncommon Risks with Serious Consequences

Nerve, tendon or blood vessel injury leading to finger numbness, stiffness or necrosis

Remarks:

The information contained is very general, the list of complications is not exhaustive and other unforeseen complications may occasionally occur.  In special patient groups, the actual risk may be different.  For further information please contact your doctor.

The Hong Kong Society for Surgery of the Hand