Trigger Finger Release at North Downs Hospital

What is trigger finger release?

Trigger finger release surgery is performed to widen the tunnel that your tendons pass through in your finger or thumb and to resolve a condition known as trigger finger.

Trigger finger is a common and painful condition that restricts your finger or thumb movement. It affects the tendons in your finger or thumb and causes them to lock or catch as they bend towards your palm.

Trigger finger occurs if the tendons in your finger or thumb become inflamed, and when you bend your finger or thumb the inflamed tendon is pulled through a tendon sheath tunnel that is now too narrow. Your tendon sheath may also thicken and make the opening of the tunnel smaller. Your tendon may become momentarily stuck in the tight tunnel and as it slips through it might make a snap or pop.

Symptoms of trigger finger include:

Pain when bending or straightening your trigger digit.
Tenderness in your palm.
Clicking of your trigger digit during movement, or locking in a bent position. The digit may need to be straightened using your other hand.
Stiffness in your trigger digit.

If you think you may have trigger finger, it’s worth seeing your GP. They may suggest that you avoid activities that are causing you pain to see if this helps to relieve your symptoms. Over the counter pain killers may also be useful.

Treatment for trigger finger depends on your symptom’s severity and how long you've had them. Mild cases of trigger finger can get better without treatment.

Treatment options for trigger finger release

Initially non-surgical treatment may be recommended including non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, splinting where your finger is strapped to hold it straight, and corticosteroid injections to relieve your symptoms.

If you have severe trigger finger or other treatments haven’t worked, then trigger finger release surgery will be recommended.

Surgery for trigger finger is normally performed on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthetic and takes around 20 minutes. There are two types of trigger finger release surgery:

Open trigger finger release surgery – this is generally the preferred option. Your hand surgeon will make a small incision in your palm and carefully cut through the tendon sheath to make it wider.
Percutaneous trigger finger release surgery - a needle is inserted into the base of your affected digit and is used to slice thought your ligament. There are no cuts or scars but there are nerves and arteries very close to the tendon sheath that could easily be damaged.

The benefits of trigger finger release surgery include regaining the ability to properly move the affected fingers, and normal use of your hand.

Complications are rare with trigger finger release surgery. However, as with any surgery, complications could occur and include:

Infection
Pain or stiffness in your finger
A tender scar
Nerve damage
Bowstringing - where the tendon is in the wrong position
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) - pain and swelling in your hand that usually resolves after a few months.

Immediately following surgery most people can move their fingers. You may feel soreness in your palm. You may be advised to have physiotherapy for finger exercises to help loosen your finger. You can expect recovery to take a few weeks. Swelling and stiffness may take up to six months to go.

North Downs Hospital Specialists

Mr Oliver Harley

Mr Oliver Harley is a Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive, Hand and Wrist Surgeon in Surrey
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Mr Anestis Iossifidis

Mr Anestis Iossifidis is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Surrey who specialises in shoulder surgery.
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Mrs Catherine Manley

Mrs Catherine Manley is a Hand Therapist at North Downs Hospital in Caterham, Surrey
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Mr Arvind Mohan

Mr Arvind Mohan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Caterham, Surrey who specialises in upper limb surgery.
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Mr Ali Shafighian

Mr Ali Shfighian is a Consultant Orthoapedic Surgeon in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey who specialises in Hand and Wrist surgery
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Mr T C Teo

Mr TC Teo is a Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive, Hand and Wrist Surgeon in Surrey.
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Trigger Finger Release