Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as trigger thumb or trigger digit mostly affects the flexor tendons of the thumb but can affect any other finger. The tendon sheath thickens usually through chronic overstressing of the hand, aging or rheumatic disease. Sometimes the tendon itself is swollen and hinders the mobility of the affected finger.

When bending the finger, the thickened tendon glides through the pulley system connected to the bones and sticks there, blocking the finger’s movement. If the finger is attempted to be extended by increasing the force, the block will suddenly and explosively be overcome and the finger springs upwards.

In an operation, the ligament is divided or partly removed and the thickened tendon sheath is possibly also removed, depending on the above described cause and diagnosis.

Trigger finger is a tendon entrapment syndrome.
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