Stenosing ligamentitis

Stenosing ligamentitis, or „trapped” fingers, can be caused by prolonged, heavy, and repetitive work or by a short-term, unusual strain on the hand.

Symptoms of stenosing ligamentitis include painful fingers and the formation of a movable thickening at the base of the fingers, above the tendons, which makes it difficult to bend and extend the fingers. The fingers tend to be particularly painful and stiff in the mornings, when “snapping” of the fingers may also occur when bending or extending them. As the condition progresses, it becomes difficult to bend or extend the fingers.

Initially, splints or steroid injections may help with treatment, but if they are ineffective, surgery is necessary. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin of the wrist to widen the tunnel through which the tendon slides.