Trigger finger surgery

Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections or splints, fail to relieve symptoms. Patients suffering fromtrigger finger may experience intense pain, loss of mobility and an inability to perform daily tasks. The inflamed finger may remain swollen, in a bent position.

Trigger finger surgery aims to release the inflamed flexor tendons at the entrance to the digital canal, restoring pain-free, fluid movement. This procedure improves patients’ quality of life by restoring full finger function and relieving associated pain.

In some cases, carpal tunnel surgery is performed at the same time.

Trigger finger surgery is performed by Dr. Mirsada Bejic, an experienced hand specialist. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the finger to access the flexor sheath. She then cuts the A1 pulley at the entrance to the digital canal and removes the inflammatory tissue around the tendons (synovitis), thus removing the mechanical blockage and freeing the tendons. As the surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, it is possible to check that the tendons are sliding properly during the operation.

The surgical procedure takes around 15 minutes. After the operation, a padded bandage is applied to protect the operated area.

In trigger finger surgery, locking disappears as soon as the pulley is cut during the operation. It is strongly recommended to start mobilizing the operated finger as soon as possible, to quickly recover full flexion and extension. Difficulty in extending the finger may occur when the finger is very inflamed before the operation, and may persist for several weeks. In such cases, a postoperative night splint is worn and occupational therapy is provided to straighten the finger and prevent joint stiffness. The sutures are removed after 7 to 10 days (15 days for diabetic patients), after which the hand can be washed as normal. We recommend applying a greasy cream and massaging the scar.

Although the procedure is safe and very common, in exceptional cases there may be complications following a split-finger operation:

• Stiffening of the finger is the most frequent risk, often due to insufficient postoperative mobilization. Occupational therapy and the use of specific equipment are necessary to avoid this.
• Patients suffering from rheumatic diseases may experience slowness of mobilization, which will not be improved by surgery alone.
• The risk of infection, although low, requires rapid intervention in the event of symptoms such as abnormal pain, swelling and redness of the finger.
• Algodystrophy (Sudeck’s disease), although very rare, can lead to prolonged pain and stiffness.

Results are generally very good after this hand surgery. Most patients regain normal finger function and can resume their activities without pain or blockage. Surgery eliminates bothersome symptoms and improves patients’ quality of life. It is important, however, to follow post-operative recommendations and actively participate in rehabilitation to optimize results.

If you would like to find out more about the surgery or to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and support you throughout your treatment.

Useful links:

• The British Society for Surgery of the Hand