Trigger finger is a matter of a circumscribed thickening of a finger flexor tendon and a narrowing ring band in the palm region. The sliding of the tendon through the ring band (a kind of “strap”) is hampered or impeded. Causes of trigger finger include a longer-term overstressing in the palm area by thin, hard objects (e.g. pliers, hedge trimmers, etc.) or wear and tear. The mostly frequently affected fingers are the ring and middle fingers, but also often the thumbs. The disorder usually appears in the 50s and is three times more common in women.

Patients complain that the affected finger gets stuck when they bend it. In the early stages, the patient can overcome this blockage by using increased force, during which the characteristic snap occurs during the movement and stretching. Later, the affected finger remains fixed in the bending or stretching position.

The treatment is basically an operation, and cortisone injections should be avoided. The ring band is revealed by making an approximately 1.5 cm long skin incision under regional anesthetic and is split, while protecting the nerves. The adequacy of the split is assessed by the mobility of the tendon. A special follow-up is not required, but early, active movement of the affected finger is important.