eMedicine Specialties > Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation > Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Conditions

Trigger Finger

Author: Patrick M Foye, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain (Tailbone Pain, Coccydynia) Service, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School
Coauthor(s): Todd P Stitik, MD, Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Acting Director of Sports Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey School of Medicine; Lead Physician, Practice Medical Director of University Hospital PM & R Clinic
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Apr 18, 2008

Introduction

Background

Trigger finger results from thickening of the flexor tendon within the distal aspect of the palm.1,2 This thickening causes abnormal gliding of the tendon within the tendon sheath. Specifically, the affected tendon is caught at the edge of the first annular (A1) pulley. Patients can have difficulty flexing the affected digit if the tendon is caught distal to the A1 pulley, or extending the digit, if the tendon is caught proximal to the pulley. The condition is very painful, especially when the locked digit snaps (releases) beyond the restriction by the use of increased force. Images 1-2 illustrate normal and thickened tendons, respectively.

See also the following related eMedicine topics:
 Flexor Tendon Anatomy
Trigger Thumb
Trigger Finger [Orthopedic Surgery]

Pathophysiology

Normally, the tendons of the finger flexors glide back and forth under a restraining pulley.3,4,5 Thickening of the flexor tendon sheath restricts the normal gliding mechanism. A nodule may develop on the tendon, causing the tendon to get stuck at the proximal edge of the A1 pulley when the patient is attempting to extend the digit, thereby causing difficulty. When more forceful attempts are made to extend the digit, by using increased force from the finger extensors or by applying an external force (for example, by exerting force on the finger with the other hand), the digit classically snaps open with significant pain at the distal palm and into the proximal aspect of the affected digit. Less commonly, the nodule is restricted distal to the A1 pulley, resulting in difficulty flexing the digit.

Frequency

United States

Trigger finger is a relatively common condition.

Mortality/Morbidity

  • Morbidity - Trigger digits can be a significant source of pain. In addition, the difficulty in achieving a normal range of motion at the digit can make functional tasks (eg, grasping objects, typing) problematic.
  • Mortality - No mortality is known to be associated with this condition.

Race

No racial predisposition is known to be associated with trigger finger.

Sex

This condition has a higher incidence in women (75%) than in men.

Age

Trigger digits are most commonly seen in adults, with the average age range for its occurrence being 52-62 years.

Clinical

History

  • A classic complaint is difficulty in achieving full extension of a single digit, which eventually releases or snaps open with pain at the distal palm and into the digit.
  • In individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, multiple digits may be involved in trigger finger.
  • Some patients have difficulty with finger flexion rather than extension, although the former is less common.
  • Other patients may have a painful nodule in the distal palm without any catching or triggering.
  • Some patients report stiffness in the fingers, especially after they have been asleep or following other periods of inactivity.
  • Some patients may have a history of repetitive trauma to the affected area.
  • Patients may have a history of diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Some patients report swelling of the affected digit, particularly at the digit's base or proximal aspect.

See also the following related Medscape topics:
Resource Center Diabetic Microvascular Complications
Resource Center Incretin Hormones in Diabetes and Metabolism
Resource Center Rheumatoid Arthritis
CME Managing the Patient Throughout the Course of RA: Three Case Studies

Physical

  • At the level of the distal palmar crease, a tender nodule can be palpated, usually overlying the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.
  • The affected digit may lock in a flexed or (less commonly) extended position. When the patient attempts to move the digit more forcefully beyond the restriction, the digit may snap or trigger beyond the restriction. The triggering movement is very painful for the patient.
  • In severe cases, the patient is unable to move the digit beyond the restriction, so no triggering occurs.
  • With a trigger thumb, the tenderness to palpation is found at the palmar aspect of the first MCP joints rather than over the distal palmar crease.

Causes

  • Congenital cases of trigger thumb are generally caused by a nodule of the flexor pollicis longus tendon.
  • In adults, some cases may be associated with repetitive trauma.

More on Trigger Finger

Overview: Trigger Finger
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Trigger Finger
Treatment & Medication: Trigger Finger
Follow-up: Trigger Finger
Multimedia: Trigger Finger
References
[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

References

  1. Trigger finger. In: Snider RK, ed. Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care. Rosemont, Ill: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 1997:249-53.

  2. Strakowski JA, Wiand JW, Johnson EW. Upper limb musculoskeletal pain syndromes. In: Braddom RL, ed. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1996:756-82.

  3. Breen TF. Wrist and hand. In: Steinberg GG, Akins CM, Baran DT, eds. Orthopaedics in Primary Care. 3rd ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999:99-138.

  4. Brinker MR, Miller MD. The adult hand. In: Fundamentals of Orthopaedics. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1999:196-220.

  5. McGee DJ. Forearm, wrist and hand. In: Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1992:168-215.

  6. Fitzgerald BT, Hofmeister EP, Fan RA, et al. Delayed flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus ruptures in a trigger finger after a steroid injection: a case report. J Hand Surg [Am]. May 2005;30(3):479-82. [Medline].

  7. Jianmongkol S, Kosuwon W, Thammaroj T. Intra-tendon sheath injection for trigger finger: the randomized controlled trial. Hand Surg. 2007;12(2):79-82. [Medline].

  8. Anderson B, Kaye S. Treatment of flexor tenosynovitis of the hand (''trigger finger'') with corticosteroids. A prospective study of the response to local injection. Arch Intern Med. Jan 1991;151(1):153-6. [Medline].

  9. Nimigan AS, Ross DC, Gan BS. Steroid injections in the management of trigger fingers. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. Jan 2006;85(1):36-43. [Medline].

  10. Fleisch SB, Spindler KP, Lee DH. Corticosteroid injections in the treatment of trigger finger: a level I and II systematic review. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Mar 2007;15(3):166-71. [Medline].

  11. Geiringer SR. Tendon sheath and insertion injections. In: Lennard TA, ed. Physiatric Procedures in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, Pa: Hanley & Belfus; 1995:44-8.

  12. [Best Evidence] Peters-Veluthamaningal C, Winters JC, Groenier KH, et al. Corticosteroid injections effective for trigger finger in adults in general practice: a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. Jan 7 2008;[Medline].

  13. [Best Evidence] Baumgarten KM, Gerlach D, Boyer MI. Corticosteroid injection in diabetic patients with trigger finger. A prospective, randomized, controlled double-blinded study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Dec 2007;89(12):2604-11. [Medline].

  14. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In: Green SM, ed. Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2000. Loma Linda, Calif: Tarascon Pub; 2000:11-2.

  15. Akhtar S, Bradley MJ, Quinton DN, et al. Management and referral for trigger finger/thumb. BMJ. Jul 2 2005;331(7507):30-3. [Medline].

  16. Taras JS, Raphael JS, Pan WT, et al. Corticosteroid injections for trigger digits: is intrasheath injection necessary?. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jul 1998;23(4):717-22. [Medline].

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Further Reading

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Keywords

trigger finger, digital flexor tenosynovitis, digital tenovaginitis stenosans, flexor tendon stenosing tenosynovitis, locked finger, stick palsy, trigger digit, trigger thumb, volar flexor tenosynovitis, flexor pollicis longus tendon nodule

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Patrick M Foye, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain (Tailbone Pain, Coccydynia) Service, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School
Patrick M Foye, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Todd P Stitik, MD, Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Acting Director of Sports Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey School of Medicine; Lead Physician, Practice Medical Director of University Hospital PM & R Clinic
Todd P Stitik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Robert E Windsor, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, FAAPM, President and Director, Georgia Pain Physicians, PC; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine
Robert E Windsor, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, FAAPM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, International Association for the Study of Pain, Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Michael T Andary, MD, MS, Residency Program Director, Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Kelly L Allen, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Lourdes Regional Rehabilitation Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Rene Cailliet, MD, Professor-Chairman Emeritus, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine; Former Director, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center
Rene Cailliet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Pain Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, International Association for the Study of Pain, and Pan American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
HONcode

We subscribe to the
HONcode principles of the
Health On the Net Foundation

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright© 1994- by Medscape.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.