Trigger finger involves entrapment of the flexor tendon at which pulley?

Study for the NBCOT Hand Injuries and Intervention Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Trigger finger involves entrapment of the flexor tendon at which pulley?

Trigger finger happens when the smooth glide of the flexor tendon is blocked by a pulley, most commonly at the A1 pulley located at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The flexor tendon runs through a series of annular pulleys (A1 through A5). When the A1 pulley thickens or inflames (stenosing tenosynovitis), it constricts the tendon’s passage, so the tendon can’t glide freely during finger flexion. This mismatch in movement causes the finger to catch or lock, producing the characteristic triggering sensation. The A2 and A4 pulleys lie along the length of the finger to prevent bowstringing, and problems there are less associated with triggering. Thus, the classic site of entrapment for trigger finger is the A1 pulley.

Trigger finger happens when the smooth glide of the flexor tendon is blocked by a pulley, most commonly at the A1 pulley located at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The flexor tendon runs through a series of annular pulleys (A1 through A5). When the A1 pulley thickens or inflames (stenosing tenosynovitis), it constricts the tendon’s passage, so the tendon can’t glide freely during finger flexion. This mismatch in movement causes the finger to catch or lock, producing the characteristic triggering sensation. The A2 and A4 pulleys lie along the length of the finger to prevent bowstringing, and problems there are less associated with triggering. Thus, the classic site of entrapment for trigger finger is the A1 pulley.

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