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Trigger Finger — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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EasySoft Tissue RheumatologyTrigger FingerSCE Rheumatology

A 45-year-old woman with diabetes presents with painful snapping and intermittent locking of her ring finger. Examination reveals a palpable nodule over the A1 pulley at the base of the affected finger. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Trigger finger

The diagnosis is trigger finger, caused by impaired gliding of a flexor tendon through a narrowed or thickened pulley, usually the A1 pulley. Painful snapping or locking with a palpable nodule at the base of the finger is characteristic, and diabetes is a recognised risk factor. De Quervain tenosynovitis affects the first dorsal extensor compartment at the radial wrist rather than a finger flexor tendon. Dupuytren disease produces palmar fascial cords and a fixed flexion contracture without triggering. Gamekeeper thumb is an ulnar collateral ligament injury at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, while mallet finger follows disruption of the terminal extensor mechanism and causes loss of active distal interphalangeal extension.

Reference: NHS, Trigger finger, reviewed 17 November 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigger-finger/