Trigger thumb is common in young children. They likely have had it from birth, but as it is not very noticeable or causing problems, it isn’t picked up until they are a few years old.
Symptoms can range from clicking on movement at the interphalangeal joint to a fixed flexion contracture and inability to straighten the thumb at all. The flexor tendon to the thumb, the flexor pollicis longus runs through a series or pulleys or tunnels.
A nodule forms on the tendon and then it cannot pass through the tunnel easily causing clicking and/or locking. Surgery is required to release the A1 pulley to allow the tendon to move freely.
Therapy after surgery involved wound management, scar management, exercises and splinting to maintain joint extension. If you have any questions about concerning your child having trigger finger, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
