Differential Diagnosis for Locking Finger
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Trigger finger: This is the most common cause of a locking finger, resulting from inflammation of the tendon sheath, which causes the tendon to catch or lock as it moves through the sheath.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dupuytren's contracture: A condition where one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position, which can cause the finger to lock.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the joints can cause stiffness, pain, and locking of the fingers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation of the joints can cause pain, stiffness, and locking of the fingers.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Infection (e.g., septic arthritis): Bacterial or fungal infections can cause severe pain, swelling, and locking of the finger, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
- Tumor (e.g., giant cell tumor): A rare tumor that can cause pain, swelling, and locking of the finger.
- Fracture or dislocation: Trauma to the finger can cause locking, and if not properly treated, can lead to long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause thickening of the skin and connective tissue, leading to stiffness and locking of the fingers.
- Diabetic cheiroarthropathy: A rare complication of diabetes that can cause stiffness and locking of the fingers.
- Camptodactyly: A rare congenital condition that causes one or more fingers to be permanently bent, which can cause locking.