Regain Smooth, Pain-Free Movement. 

When a joint in your hand or wrist becomes stiff, catches, or locks, it can be both painful and alarming. It’s a frustrating mechanical problem that interferes with the simplest tasks. We offer advanced diagnostic and surgical solutions to identify the cause and restore the fluid, confident motion you’ve lost. 

Putting an End to Frustrating Mechanical Problems.

There are few things more disconcerting than when your own hand won’t move the way you want it to. That feeling of a finger getting “stuck,” or a wrist that “catches” with certain movements, is more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign of an underlying mechanical issue. Fortunately, these problems often have a specific and highly treatable cause. 

Pinpointing the Source of Your Symptoms.

Problems Inside the Joint (Intra-Articular) 

• In many cases, stiffness or locking is caused by a problem inside the joint itself. This can include loose fragments of cartilage or bone, the growth of bone spurs that block movement, or inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) that gets in the way of a smooth gliding motion. 

Problems Outside the Joint (Extra-Articular) 

• Sometimes, the joint itself is healthy, but the structures around it are the source of the problem. Most commonly, this involves a tendon that has become inflamed and is unable to glide smoothly through its protective sheath. This is the cause of Trigger Finger, a classic example of a “locking” condition. 

Targeted Procedures for Lasting Relief. 

Arthroscopy (To See & Solve Joint Problems)

• For problems inside the joint, Arthroscopy is an invaluable minimally invasive technique. Using a tiny camera inserted through a “keyhole” incision, Dr. French can directly visualize the inside of your joint to make a precise diagnosis. At the same time, specialized instruments can be used to remove loose bodies, smooth damaged cartilage, or clean out inflamed tissue, often resolving the issue in one procedure. 

Tenolysis (To Free a “Stuck” Tendon)

• For conditions like Trigger Finger where the tendon is the problem, Tenolysis (or a “trigger finger release”) is the definitive solution. In this procedure, Dr. French makes a small incision and carefully releases the tight opening of the tendon sheath. This instantly creates more space, allowing the tendon to glide freely and smoothly again without catching or locking. 

The Importance of a Precise Diagnosis and Meticulous Technique.  

The key to a successful outcome for joint stiffness or locking is correctly diagnosing the exact source of the mechanical problem. Is it inside the joint or is it a tendon? Is it the result of another underlying disease process like diabetes? Dr. French’s deep diagnostic expertise and his advanced skill in both arthroscopic surgery and open soft tissue procedures focus on the right treatment for the right diagnosis tailored to your needs and your schedule.