A restriction in the mobility of our hands is a catastrophe for everyone. Our hands enable us to survive because there is practically nothing we don't need to touch during any process. In addition to fractures that impair the use of the hands, a dysfunction of the flexor tendon, which runs from the palm into the finger, also occurs relatively frequently.
Your orthopedist in Düsseldorf refers to it as a trigger finger or snapping finger. It is rare for more than one finger on a hand to be affected, but it is possible.
In addition to severe pain in the affected finger, normal mobility is also no longer possible. A bent finger can suddenly no longer be properly straightened, and conversely, a straightened finger can no longer be properly bent. It then suddenly and uncontrollably snaps back to the opposite position.
Depending on the severity, this may no longer be possible, and the finger must be moved passively. This very uncomfortable condition prevents normal use of the hand and significantly restricts the patient.
The aforementioned flexor tendon glides back and forth through fine channels called tendon sheaths. Small annular ligaments hold the tendons along the bone. Due to strain, but also due to various metabolic diseases, the tendons can become inflamed at the transition from the hand to the finger, leading to the formation of nodules on the annular ligaments.
These nodules then prevent the tendons from moving easily and freely through the annular ligaments. Most often, women or certain professional groups engaged in manual work are affected by trigger finger.
This condition can, depending on its severity, lead to significant pain and therefore requires appropriate treatment. In treating a trigger finger, a conservative approach with immobilization can initially be chosen. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications are administered. With this method, very good treatment outcomes are generally achieved for a trigger finger in Düsseldorf.
However, if there is no improvement through conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. In this procedure, the first annular ligament in the flexion crease is severed. The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and is low-risk when conducted by an experienced surgeon. After the procedure, the functionality of the fingers is generally fully restored.
If you are suffering from trigger finger, we are happy to assist you in regaining your quality of life. To discuss this, you can schedule an appointment with us in various ways.