Trigger finger

Trigger finger surgery helps ‘release’ fingers when they get stuck in a bent or flexed position. Trigger finger usually occurs when the tendon that bends the finger typically becomes thickened and no longer glides like it used to.

Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginitis. It usually affects the thumb, ring finger or little finger. One or more fingers can be affected and the problem may develop in both hands. It is more common in the right hand, which may be because most people are right-handed. Although not a severe or life-threatening condition, trigger finger can significantly impact your everyday life and lead to sufferers not being able to carry out otherwise and previously easy daily tasks. GlobMed has a network of the highest quality hand surgeons to help.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Symptoms of trigger finger can include the following:

• Finger stiffness (particularly in the morning)
• A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger
• Tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger
• Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight
• Finger locked in a bent place, which you are unable to straighten

Benefits of Treating Trigger Finger

The purpose of the procedures designed to treat the trigger finger is to add space for the flexor tendon to move in the affected finger. Once more space is created, the patient should be able to move and bend their finger freely without pain. The specific benefits can vary from person to person, but ultimately, trigger finger surgery should:

• Allow for movement without pain or clicking sensation
• Mean no more stiffness or locking in any positions

How is Trigger Finger Treated?

This procedure is commonly referred to as a day case procedure, which means you will be discharged the same day as the procedure. You will be given a local anaesthetic injected to numb the area.

A small incision is then made over the finger’s front (palm) side to release the thickening point before being sutured up, and dressing is applied. You will need to keep the bandage on for a few days before it can be taken off

Risks of Trigger Finger Surgery and Treatment

As with any other procedure, some (rare) risks are associated with trigger finger treatment and surgery. These include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Failure procedure and need for future procedure
• Damage to structures including tendons