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Surgical procedure

Trigger Finger Release

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This document will give you information about trigger finger release. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is trigger finger?Trigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff. It can also affect your thumb.The tendons that bend your fingers usually glide freely through tight tunnels in your hand. If the fibrous wall of a tunnel thickens, the tunnel becomes too tight, usually resulting in your finger jamming in a bent position (see figure 1).

What are the benefits of surgery?The aim is to allow your finger to move freely.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?A steroid injection into the base of your finger can treat the problem. However, you may need more than one injection.If your trigger finger continues or is severe, surgery is usually recommended.

What does the operation involve?The operation can usually be performed under a local anaesthetic and usually takes about 20 minutes.Your surgeon will make a small cut at the base of your finger. They will cut open the fibrous tunnel that is causing the trigger finger.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications� Pain� Bleeding� Infection of the surgical site (wound)

� Scarring of your skin

2 Specific complications� Numbness� Tenderness� Bowstringing� Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your

hand

How soon will I recover?You should be able to go home the same day.Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities.Keep your hand raised and bandaged for two days. It is important to gently exercise your fingers, elbow and shoulder to prevent stiffness.Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

SummaryTrigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff. If treatment with steroid injections has failed, surgery should allow your finger to move freely.

AcknowledgementsAuthor: Prof Tim Davis ChM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © Nucleus Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

Figure 1Trigger finger

Thickened tunnel

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