Differentials

Trigger finger

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

The finger can be fully extended with a notable click.

INVESTIGATIONS

Ultrasound: thickening and hypoechogenicity, with possible increased vascularity of the A1 pulley.

Epithelioid sarcoma

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Tends to be progressive and extend beyond localised digits.

INVESTIGATIONS

Biopsy: results can be difficult to determine but are often seen as well-defined eosinophilic cytoplasms and one or more atypical, eccentrically located nuclei, resulting in a plasmacytoid appearance.

Camptodactyly

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Presence of little finger contracture from an early age.

INVESTIGATIONS

No differentiating tests.

Traumatic finger contracture

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

History of significant preceding trauma leading to injury of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

INVESTIGATIONS

X-ray of hand may show associated fracture.

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