Extensor tendon triggering by impingement on the extensor retinaculum: a report of 5 cases.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Background:

• Symptomatic triggering of the index and small fingers can cause significant hand pain.
• The exact cause of this specific type of finger triggering is not always clear.
• Pain on the dorsum of the hand is a common complaint in various hand conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a series of patients presenting with symptomatic triggering of the index and small fingers.
• To identify the underlying cause of extensor tendon impingement at the wrist.
• To report the outcomes of surgical intervention for this condition.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing four patients with specific finger triggering symptoms.
• Diagnostic evaluation including physical examination to identify extensor tendon impingement.
• Surgical treatment involving release of the extensor retinaculum and excision of pathologic structures.

Main Results:

• All four patients presented with symptomatic triggering and dorsal hand pain.
• Impingement of an extensor tendon on the extensor retinaculum was identified as the cause.
• Surgical release and excision successfully resolved symptoms in all treated patients.

Conclusions:

• Extensor tendon impingement on the extensor retinaculum is a treatable cause of finger triggering and dorsal hand pain.
• Surgical release of the extensor retinaculum offers an effective treatment option.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can alleviate symptoms and restore function.