Medical Terminology for Trigger Finger
The medical term for trigger finger is stenosing flexor tenosynovitis 1, 2, 3.
Pathophysiology and Definition
Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis describes the underlying pathology: a size mismatch between the flexor tendon and the first annular (A-1) pulley, causing entrapment of the flexor tendon 2, 3.
The condition results from thickening of both the A-1 pulley and swelling of the flexor tendon, creating mechanical obstruction that produces the characteristic "triggering" or locking phenomenon 3, 4.
Histopathologically, the tenosynovium demonstrates distinctive features including hyaluronic acid-producing chondrocytoid cells and hypocellular collagen matrix, which contribute to increased pressure under the pulley and progression of stenosis 4.
Clinical Context
The American College of Radiology notes that clinical assessment is usually adequate for diagnosis, though ultrasound may be employed when the clinical picture is uncertain to confirm the stenosing tenosynovitis 5.
This terminology distinguishes trigger finger from other hand pathologies such as De Quervain disease (stenosing tenosynovitis of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) or other forms of tenosynovitis affecting different anatomical locations 6.