DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital first in Michigan to Offer Ultrasound Guidance Device for Trigger Finger Treatment

Commerce Township - DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is the first in the state to offer a procedure that uses real-time ultrasound guidance to treat patients suffering from a condition known as trigger finger.

Trigger finger is the common name for stenosing tenosynovitis, a condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness or loss of motion or mechanical symptoms like popping, catching or locking due to the progressive restriction of normal tendon motion. This may interfere with your ability to bend or straighten your fingers. Trigger finger is a condition in which one or more of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Trigger finger is a very common and treatable problem. It is more common with certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes but can also be caused by repeated and strong gripping.

This treatment involves the use real-time ultrasound guidance, which enables the physician to perform the procedure through a small incision. Dr. Nicholas Moore, an orthopedic medicine specialist and the team at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital staff recently performed the first case in the state.

The technique allows patients to experience less pain and improved function. Performed in an office or procedure room with local anesthesia, the treatment is associated with reduced pain and improved function. It may allow patients to return to normal activities sooner when compared to the open surgery technique.

“This is an exciting option for patients who suffer from trigger finger and are looking for relief through a less-invasive approach,” said Dr. Moore. “Trigger finger can be a very difficult condition for patients, especially those who rely on their hands for their livelihoods. This procedure enables patients to more quickly get back to their daily activities.”

Trigger finger affects almost 9 million Americans and results in 350,000 surgeries every year. Traditional TFR procedures can remedy the condition but may result in large and sometimes painful scars, ongoing pain, and a long recovery.