You are examining a patient who complains of no longer being able to clap his hands, shake hands, put on gloves, or wash his face without sticking his right ring finger in his right eye. His past history includes non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occasional bouts of gout, and an episode of pulmonary tuberculosis about 20 years previously. The physical examination revealed normal strength throughout both upper extremities, including the right ring finger. The right finger is flexed to about 70 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint, but there is no interphalangeal joint involvement. The finger remains flexed throughout the day and night. Prominent nodules are felt at the ring, and the little fingers of both hands and the involved finger cannot be passively straightened. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of these findings?
- Trigger finger
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
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