New study illuminates potential causes of trigger finger

A comprehensive review has revealed additional factors beyond the A1 pulley that may lead to the development of trigger finger.

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in the hand becomes irritated and swollen, causing the finger to bend, become stuck and snap straight.

In a study, published in Advances in Rheumatology, investigators conducted a literature review to provide insights into the definition, pathophysiology, lesion sites and etiology of trigger finger.

The investigators found that trigger finger can occur at multiple anatomical locations — including the A2 and A3 pulleys, Camper’s Chiasm, palmar aponeurosis, flexor retinaculum and extensor tendons.

Further, certain diseases may increase the risk of developing trigger finger, such as diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, gout and pseudogout, amyloidosis, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, acromegaly, space-occupying lesions and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Drugs like glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors and statins may also be linked to the condition.

The findings may challenge the traditional view of trigger finger as primarily an A1 pulley pathology.

Read more: Advances in Rheumatology

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