Trigger thumb may be noticed by parents at around 2 years of age. Initially the thumb might be in a flexed position which can be actively extended by the child but with triggering. Later the thumb joint can become locked in flexion and does not yield to passive stretching.
Cause
The exact cause is unknown.
Treatment
Milder degrees of trigger thumb may resolve with time. Splinting is not useful. The rest need surgery in the form of division of the pulley over the flexor tendon.
Neglected cases of trigger thumb have been encountered in our practice. The late presentation needs different type of surgery as the thumb joint may be flexed and deviated. The deformity correction requires bony procedure in addition to release of the pulley. A timely consultation can avoid such bony procedures.
Post-Operative Care
The thumb will be dressed in a small finger bandage. The sutures are usually absorbable. The dressing can be removed after a week from surgery and the hand may be washed.
Late presentation of a trigger thumb in an adolescent girl
Correction of the thumb deformity done
