Percutaneous Treatment for Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common affliction that limits mobility in joints. When an individual suffers from trigger finger, one of their fingers becomes locked in a bent position. Although this may begin as a mild nuisance, it can quickly become a painful and troublesome condition if not dealt with appropriately. Trigger finger, officially known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is what happens when an area in a digit becomes inflamed and the space between the tendon and the surrounding sheath narrows. Over time, if the inflamed area continues to be irritated, the tendon sheath may scar and develop nodules that make it even more difficult to move.

Trigger finger usually occurs when a person’s hobbies or work require consistent, repetitive, gripping motions. For whatever reason, women statistically appear to be more vulnerable than men. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are also somewhat more likely to develop the problem.

In its early stages, trigger finger is mildly unpleasant, but not debilitating. Most afflicted individuals find the problem to be worse in the morning than at other times of day. It often begins with a clicking or popping sound and a perceptible stiffness in the joint. As it develops, the finger may lock in a bent position, then suddenly snap straight with an audible sound. If the area becomes further inflamed and the tissue becomes scarred, it can severely impede movement and potentially take a very long time to heal.

In its early stages, trigger finger can sometimes be dealt with using non-invasive, non-surgical procedures. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help alleviate some of the pain. A splint and some gentle stretching exercises can help avoid the harmful motion while gradually returning mobility to the finger. Doctors may also advise icing the afflicted area and avoiding the problematic motion for several weeks.

In more severe cases, however, these measures are simply not enough. Percutaneous treatment, also known as percutaneous release, is when a doctor inserts a surgical knife into the tissue around the locked tendon. The doctor uses a knife to cut around the blockage to loosen it and allow mobility to return.

When executed by a trained physician, this treatment is considered to be fairly low risk. The doctor will always numb the hand before administering treatment in order to avoid pain. General anesthesia is not necessary, as this is a minor procedure that can be administered in a doctor’s office. Percutaneous treatment requires less recovery time than surgery, which is usually the last resort when dealing with trigger finger.

References.

1. Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions – Trigger Finger. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/basics/treatment/con-20043819. Accessed on May 5, 2015.

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