Interventional Therapy for Stenosing Tenosynovitis

Stenosing tenosynovitis, better known as Trigger Finger Syndrome, is a common condition affecting the tendons of the fingers. It can affect one or more fingers and significantly impair the patient's daily activities.

How does Trigger Finger occur and what are its symptoms?

The condition occurs when the flexor tendons of the finger or the sheaths surrounding them are inflamed, resulting in the narrowing of the sheath and the obstruction of smooth tendon movement within it.

Trigger Finger is characterized by the following symptoms:

Finger stiffness: The primary symptom of the condition, from which it derives its name, is the sensation of the finger being "locked" in a bent position and suddenly snapping straight when the patient tries to extend it.
Clicking sensation: During movement, the patient may experience a painful clicking sensation in the finger joint, accompanied by a characteristic "click" sound.
Palpable Nodule: A small palpable nodule may appear on the affected finger, further hindering tendon mobility.
Pain and swelling: Trigger Finger can cause pain and swelling in the affected finger, symptoms that are usually more intense after prolonged periods of inactivity, such as after sleep.
Limited mobility: In severe cases, the finger may be permanently bent or extended, requiring assistance to move.

What are the causes of Trigger Finger?

Some of the factors associated with the development of Trigger Finger include:

Repetitive Movements: Activities involving repetitive finger use, such as manual labor and computer use, can contribute to the development of Trigger Finger.
Health Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Gender and Age: Women and individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 are more commonly affected.

What is the role of Ultrasound in diagnosing Trigger Finger?

In cases of Trigger Finger, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound serves a dual role, as it can assist not only in the accurate diagnosis but also in the treatment of the condition.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound can diagnose Trigger Finger with absolute precision, providing detailed information about the affected tendon and neighboring structures, and allowing for the evaluation of the degree and activity of inflammation.

Simultaneously, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is particularly useful in differential diagnosis between Trigger Finger and other tendon disorders, especially in cases where those coexist with Trigger Finger.

What is the role of Ultrasound in the treatment of Trigger Finger?

For the treatment of Trigger Finger, a specialized Radiologist can perform the following Ultrasound-Guided Therapies:

Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection

Corticosteroid injection leads to immediate suppression of inflammation, relief from pain and swelling, and restoration of finger mobility. Ultrasound guidance is crucial as the injection must be made into the tendon sheath and not into the tendon itself, as this could lead to injury and damage of the tendon. Additionally, the precision of ultrasound provides optimal therapeutic results, as the treatment is administered exactly where it is needed, minimizing the risk of complications and reducing recovery time after the procedure.

Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Therapy

In severe cases of Trigger Finger, ultrasound can provide a permanent solution to the problem through revolutionary, ultrasound-guided intervention. The technique involves inserting a needle into the affected finger. With local anesthesia and under ultrasound guidance, the needle breaks the thickening of the tendon sheath, freeing the tendon and allowing for the restoration of normal movement.

A significant advantage of this method is that the use of the needle as a scalpel minimizes tissue trauma, reducing not only the risk of complications but also the recovery time after the intervention. Simultaneously, ultrasound guidance ensures the safety of the procedure, as needle monitoring ensures the avoidance of surrounding points or tendon injury.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi