Endoscopic Trigger Finger Release

Abstract

Trigger finger is a common hand condition causing pain and snapping sensation of the finger or thumb. Triggering is caused by a thickening of the tendons’ normal synovial lining or of the fibrous sheath (fibrocartilaginous metaplasia) through which the tendon glides. Initially, nonsurgi- cal treatment includes extension splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections. High failure rates of nonsurgical treatment are associated with those patients with diabetes or multiple trigger fingers. Surgical treatment for trigger finger has typically been performed through an open technique. Recently endoscopic techniques have been developed to minimize recovery time and allow a quicker return to activity with decreased complications compared to open techniques.