Treatment of tenosynovitis in children

  Stenosing tenosynovitis in children, also known as trigger finger, is a common congenital disorder in pediatrics. It is mainly due to the binding of the flexor tendon by the narrow tendon sheath in the metacarpophalangeal joint area, which causes the proximal tendon to be edematous and thickened or nodular, leaving the thumb in a flexed position and unable to actively straighten it, and can cause pain or popping when passively extended.  In children, symptoms do not appear at birth and are only manifested around 6 months-2 years of age when the finger is flexed and cannot be straightened, usually with a round, raised nodule palpable, light pressure pain, and a popping sensation on passive extension and flexion.  Stenosing tenosynovitis in children can be treated with massage and brace fixation until one and a half years of age, and some children can recover. If conservative treatment is not effective, surgery is recommended. The surgery is performed by making a transverse incision on the palmar side of the metacarpophalangeal joint, cutting the narrow tendon sheath longitudinally and partially removing the tendon sheath, so that the tendon can move well.  The surgery usually requires general anesthesia, and local anesthesia can be used for particularly obedient children. The operation is very short and can usually be completed within half an hour without any adverse effects on the child.