What Is Finger Tendonitis?

Finger tenosynovitis, the most common is flexor tendon stenosis tenosynovitis, commonly known as "trigger finger", is mainly due to the flexor tendon sliding obstacle near the starting site of the fiber sheath. More women than men, common in middle and old people, the incidence of thumb, middle finger and ring finger is higher. Tenosynovitis of the thumb can also be seen in infants and young children. Diabetic patients are prone to simultaneous multi-finger tenosynovitis.

Basic Information

nickname

Trigger finger

Visiting department

orthopedics

Multiple groups

Female, middle-aged and elderly, diabetics

Common locations

Thumb, middle finger, ring finger

Common causes

Thickened fibers at the proximal end of the tendon sheath, forming tendon nodules

Common symptoms

Pain, popping, joint movement disorders

Contagious

no

Causes of finger tenosynovitis

There is a thickened fiber at the proximal end of the tendon sheath of the flexor tendon. When the tendon strains and swells, a relatively narrow point is formed here, and a tendon nodule is formed at the proximal end of this narrow point, which further hinders the flexor tendon in the tendon sheath slide.

Clinical manifestations of finger tenosynovitis

At the beginning of the onset, the palms of the fingers and the metacarpophalangeal joints are painful, and the pain is aggravated during flexion and extension. For patients with more serious conditions, a popping sound may occur during flexion and extension, similar to the situation of pulling the trigger. Therefore, this The disease is also called the "trigger finger." Symptoms are more obvious than when getting up in the morning, and some patients' symptoms will be reduced in the afternoon. When the condition is more serious, the situation where the interphalangeal joint cannot be fully straightened (or flexed) is called an interlocking phenomenon.

At palpation, there is tenderness on the volar side of the metacarpal head, and most patients can touch a nodule at this site, and the nodule slides longitudinally with flexion and extension. Pain occurs during flexion resistance test. As the condition improves, pain and other symptoms can disappear.

Finger Tenosynovitis Examination

Tendon palpation

Palpate the flexor tendon and check for local tenderness, tendon nodules, and tendon popping.

2. Index resistance test

3.B-ultrasound

Localized swelling of the tendon was seen, and the tendon was significantly narrowed at the entrance of the tendon sheath.

Finger tenosynovitis diagnosis

1. After long-term hand labor, the affected fingers are painful and become worse during exercise. The affected finger is swollen, and there is tenderness along the tendon sheath, especially at the palmar area of the finger.

2. The affected finger snaps or twists, the movement is limited, the palmar joint of the affected finger can touch a tendon nodule, flexion resistance test (+), B-ultrasound can confirm the tendon entrapment.

Finger Tenosynovitis Treatment

1. Conservative treatment: In the early stage of the disease, pure symptom relief can be obtained by rest of the affected hand or local fixation for 2 weeks.

2. Local closed treatment: If the effect of conservative treatment is not good, local closed treatment can be used, and most of them can alleviate the symptoms. However, some patients will have symptoms recurring after 3-4 weeks of treatment. Although closed treatment can be given again, clinically, A few patients have tendon ruptures after multiple closure treatments.

3. Small needle knife treatment: If the local closed treatment is not effective, you can use a small needle knife or a thicker syringe needle for picking treatment. The main purpose is to open the entrance of the thickened tendon sheath. Because it is a minimally invasive operation, it may damage the flexor tendon by mistake And digital nerves, so more experienced doctors are required to perform the operation.

4. Severe lesions or recurrent authors can be treated with surgery. The thickened narrow ring should be removed during surgery. The extent of resection should be observed during the flexion of the flexor tendon during the flexion and extension of the finger.

Finger tenosynovitis prevention

Pay attention to maintaining correct posture during work, avoid excessive strain on fingers, and take regular breaks. Care should be taken to avoid the use of cold water when working and doing housework.