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Trigger finger

Trigger finger (also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis) is the term for a finger that cannot easily be extended from a flexed position. Severity ranges from a stiff finger or jerky finger movement to a finger that cannot even be extended when outside force is applied.

Inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath is responsible for a trigger finger, leading to swelling and thus limited mobility. As a rule, the A1 ring band is thickened mechanically.

A mild version of the trigger finger can be treated conservatively with immobilization, anti-inflammatory drugs or a local cortisone injection. If surgical therapy is needed the tendon's entry point is cut open under local anesthesia, which usually leads to a remission of symptoms within a short period of time.


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American Society for Surgery of the Hand

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