Snapping finger is also known as snapping finger, digitus saltans or tendovaginitis stenosans. It is usually a painful sliding disorder of the flexor tendons of the hand. The symptoms occur most frequently in middle-aged women. Children and infants can also be affected. The causes are unclear.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for snap finger treatment.
Snap finger is a usually painful sliding disorder of the flexor tendons of the hand on the inside above the metacarpophalangeal joint. Here, the superficial and deep flexor tendons slide under the so-called annular ligament, which holds the tendons close to the bone when under tension. Thickening of the tendons and the tendon gliding tissue leads to constriction under the annular ligament.
At rest, usually at night in a relaxed flexed position, an hourglass-shaped cord often forms in the tendon under the annular ligament. This causes the tendon to become blocked at this point and the corresponding finger can only be stretched again jerkily with all possible force (typical snapping phenomenon). One tendon, several at the same time or several at intervals can be affected.
The symptoms occur most frequently in middle-aged women. Children and infants can also be affected, usually in the thumb with fixation of the end joint in a flexed position.
The causes are unclear. Several possibilities are being considered:
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the typical symptoms.
In most cases, pain is felt over the corresponding annular ligament on the flexor side at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The pain can be provoked by pressure. Often a hardening can also be felt in this area.
At an advanced stage, a so-called snapping phenomenon may develop. This means that the finger can only be stretched with the help of the other hand.
Special diagnostic equipment such as X-rays are not normally required.
With a snapping finger, the tendon in the finger is blocked and it can no longer be stretched © plo | AdobeStock
The aim is to enable the tendon to glide painlessly and to stop the snapping phenomenon. Conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options are available.
Conservative measures include
can be considered. However, these measures often do not lead to lasting success, especially if the snapping phenomenon is very pronounced.
If surgery is necessary, it is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision approximately 1 to 1.5 cm long along the transverse crease of the palm. In doing so, he spares the vascular-nerve structures parallel to the corresponding tendon. He then cuts the constricting annular ligament over the tendon in the middle and partially removes it.
The surgeon then pulls the superficial and deep flexor tendon out of the surgical wound. This allows him to check the restored gliding ability. Any other changes to the tendon are also excluded.
The skin is then usually closed with a suture and a compression bandage is applied.
There is usually no significant pain once the anesthetic has worn off. If necessary, a mild painkiller (e.g. ibuprofen) can be administered.
Complications such as
are very rare.
One day after the operation, the compression bandage is removed and replaced with a simple plaster bandage.
The patient should begin active finger exercises early after the operation. This prevents the tendons from sticking together. These exercises can be carried out independently following instructions.
After 1 to 2 wound checks in the meantime, the skin suture can be removed after 12 to 14 days. A bandage or plaster is then no longer necessary. The hand can then be increasingly put under full weight again.
Only extreme stresses such as climbing and gripping with maximum force should be avoided for a further two weeks.
In most cases, conservative therapy does not lead to lasting success. After surgical splitting of the annular ligament, however, the prognosis is very good.
After several weeks to months, the scar in the crease of the palm is no longer visible and function is fully restored.
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