What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a painful condition
that affects the tendons in the hand. As the finger or thumb is
bent towards the palm, the tendon gets stuck and the finger clicks
or locks.
In around 25% of people, trigger finger may get better
without the need for treatment. For others, surgery is generally
the standard treatment and can be up to 100% effective. It is a
relatively minor procedure, although it will require two to
four weeks off work to fully recover.
The treatment of trigger finger depends on the severity of your
symptoms and how long you have had them. While surgery is generally
considered to be the best treatment, your GP may suggest you
try a number of other options first including anti-inflammatory
pain relieving drugs such as ibuprofen or using a splint. Injected
steroid treatment may also be suggested.
If these treatments do not work then surgery is usually
recommended
What does this involve?
There are two methods for surgery both of which take around 20
minutes and are usually carried out as a day case
patient. Your surgeon will discuss which procedure is best in
your case.
Your surgeon will give you an injection of local anaesthetic
into the palm of your hand and either a small incision will be made
in the palm of your hand along one of the natural creases, or a
needle will be inserted into the base of the affected
finger.
Your surgeon will carefully slice through the thickened pulley
to release the tight opening of the tendon sheath. The wound will
then be closed with stitches, if necessary, and covered with a
light bandage.
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When will I recover?
You should be able to move your finger straightaway and be able
to go home the same day. The dressings can be removed after a few
days to make movement easier, and full movement should return
within a week or two.
If you have had open surgery, your palm may feel sore
immediately after the procedure, but any discomfort should pass
within two weeks.
If you have stitches on your wound, your surgeon will tell you
if you need to return to the hospital to have them removed. Some
stitches are dissolvable and will disappear on their own in around
three weeks.
If your finger was quite stiff before having surgery, you may
need specialised hand therapy after your operation to loosen it.
This should be discussed with your surgeon before the
operation.
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What risks should I know about?
Trigger finger surgery is a routinely performed operation and is
very successful. There are very few complications but you
should consult your surgeon before the procedure.
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Circle care
Hand and wrist surgery is carried out by our specialist surgeons
who have the expertise to get the best possible results. You
can be sure of state of the art facilities and the best possible
care to get you back to normal as soon as possible.
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