Trigger Finger

What is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger Finger is a common complaint that causes pain, irritation and snapping of the tendons of a finger as it extends back and forth.

The snapping (or trigger like behaviour of the finger) occurs when an individual attempts to relax their fist and one or other of the fingers remains flexed. When enough force has been gathered the trigger finger will extend rather like the action of pulling a trigger through a fibrous tunnel known as the Flexor Tendon Sheath.

This condition is seen more in women than men between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age and more frequently in Diabetics and those who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

The reason this problem develops is not fully understood, although it is clear this condition is caused by a discrepancy between the size of tendon and the size of the Flexor Tendon Sheath it runs along as the fingers move. Symptoms usually become worse after a period of hand inactivity such as first thing in the morning.

How is a Trigger Finger treated?

Although Trigger Finger is rarely an emergency, it has been proven that the earlier patients seek treatment the more likely this condition is to respond to non-surgical intervention.

This first line of treatment for a patient experiencing early symptoms will be to inject the affected Flexor Tendon Sheath with a steroid solution, which will decrease the swelling of the sheath and tendon and restore the normal mechanism of the Flexor Tendon mechanism.

More serious cases or those that fail to respond to a steroid injection treatment will require surgery to correct the condition and deformity.

How is a Trigger Finger procedure carried out?

Corrective surgery to release a Trigger Finger is usually performed under Local or Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes only a short amount of time to perform (approximately 10-20 minutes). Trigger Finger surgery is usually provided on a Day-Case basis.

During a traditional release procedure the surgeon will make a small incision (cut) over the affected Flexor Tendon Sheath and release the overly tight tendon within. Absorbable stitches and a simple dressing are used to close the wound and a simple splint is applied to support the corrected position of the affected finger or fingers.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of surgery and anaesthetic they are normally encouraged to be as active and mobile to avoid complications from swelling and joint stiffness from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake physiotherapy and hand exercises immediately after surgery. Patients are normally discharged home 4-6 hours later.

Your Consultant Surgeon will assess your condition and range of movement after 1 week and remove the splint. During the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their hand and finger mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy. Your Consultant will then see you again after six weeks to evaluate how successful the release procedure has been.

Are there any risks associated Trigger Finger Release surgery?

Although Trigger Finger Release surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert in Hand surgery to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Trigger Finger Release surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert Hand Surgeon to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex Hand surgery and because of their specialist Hand Surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Hand surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com