Therapy of a Snapping Finger

definition

A quick finger is created by a thickening of the flexor tendon of a finger, which is guided close to the bone by the so-called ring ligament.

To understand the different therapy options one flicking finger, it is first necessary to understand the cause of the flickering finger.

A flicking finger (also known as digitus saltans) is caused by a thickening of the Flexor tendon of a finger. There are various reasons for this.
The flexor tendon is secured by a band (so-called Ring band) close to bone guided. If this tendon is now thickened, it can no longer slide evenly along the ring ligament when the finger is bent, but initially remains behind and later glides through by leaps and bounds, which leads to the finger jumping.
One also speaks of one Tendovaginitis stenosans, so a stenosing or constricting Tendinitis.

Therapy in general

The aim of the therapy of a quick finger is to restore a smooth gliding of the flexor tendon on the ring ligament. To do this, the thickening the flexor tendon eliminated become.

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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  • Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.

Therapy - conservative options

Marry patients with a flick of a finger surgery Undergoing an attempt should be made to treat the thickened flexor tendon by conventional means Decongestion bring to.
This can be tried by holding the affected finger for a few weeks (usually 4-6 weeks) in one rail immobilizes. This leads to a swelling of the tendon. However, there is always the risk of one Stiffening of the joint if it is not used for a long time.
You can also try cortisone To inject into the - mostly inflammatory - thickened region (cortisone injection). The cortisone leads to an anti-inflammatory effect, but also to a direct decongestion of the affected flexor tendon. Alternatively, a local anesthetic be injected, which also has a decongestant effect and also relieves the patient of the pain that is often associated with a flickering finger. Some medical professionals also combine the two active ingredients.
With this therapy option it is important to have a Procrastination from Skin germs in the Tendon sheath absolutely to be avoided. This is made possible by the doctor if possible sterile is working. Other medical conditions and a skin infection in the area of ​​the affected finger should also have the against talk about cortisone therapy, be excluded beforehand.
The effect of the cortisone occurs roughly two days after administration, but it can take a few days for the full effect to develop. About after six weeks Cortisone can be injected into the affected area again.
Often the cortisone injection results in only one temporary Improvement.

Therapy - operative options

If the symptoms of the triggering finger reappear within a few months after multiple cortisone injections, a operative care be considered.
This is a minor intervention, which is usually outpatient (without hospital stay) in Local anesthesia (only the operating area is anesthetized) is performed. The duration of such an operation is usually only a few minutes and should be performed by a hand surgeon if possible. This will make a small incision on the palm of your hand over the affected tendon and that Ring band incise. Thus the constricted flexor tendon is released and the clasping finger is treated.
Also, no skin germs may get into the operating area. However, infections rarely occur. Other possible complications of flick finger surgery are:

  • Allergic reaction on the Narcotics or that Thread material

  • Excessive scarring

  • Nerve injuries with numbness of the affected finger

  • Vascular injuries with Circulatory disorders of the finger

  • Renewed development of a flickering finger as the severed ring ligament heals

The chances of success of this small operation are very good. The patient can move the finger again immediately after the operation. The remaining skin threads may have to be replaced about 10 days yet to be removed.