About Trigger Finger

If you’re suffering from Trigger Finger, you finger may stay in a bent position where you are unable to straighten it or it may snap into either a bent or straight position. Trigger Finger is diagnosed with clinical assessment, however an ultrasound may be performed to assess the tendon.

Signs & Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of Trigger Finger are;

popping or clicking sensation on movement of the finger
tenderness or a bump (nodule) in the palm of the hand at the base of the finger
catching or locking of the finger in a bent position

Treatment Options

What are the non-operative treatment options for Trigger Finger?

Non-operative treatment options for Trigger Finger include;
– splinting of the hand to help with resting of the hand
– a steroid injection into the affected tendon.

What are the operative treatment options Trigger Finger?

Operative treatment for Trigger Finger is done in the form of a Trigger Finger Release. This is a day surgery procedure under local anesthetic and sedation. Release is normally achieved via a small incision. The tendons are then released and the wound is closed with dissolvable sutures. A dressing is then applied.

What happens following surgery?

Following surgery, the hand will be numb for approximately 24 to 48 hours due to the local anaesthetic. You will not be able to drive immediately after your surgery, due to the anaesthetic used, so arrangements for transport will need to be made before the day of surgery.

If required, you may take pain medication that have been prescribed by your Anaesthetist. You will need to de-bulk your bandage approximately 3 days following your surgery. The dressing under this bandage needs to be kept dry and clean until your post-operative review in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. In most cases, A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith uses dissolvable sutures, so it is imperative to keep the wound clean and dry.

What is the recovery time following surgery?

Recovery time following Trigger Finger release is individual and depends on the severity of the condition, complexity of the surgery and previous medical history.

Most people find they have immediate improvement with the finger. Light work activities can be undertaken at the 5 – 7 day mark but any heavy lifting/work should be avoided generally till around the 6 week mark.

Light clerical workers may return to work sooner than heavy manual workers, who may require 6 to 8 weeks off work. Discomfort with use and tenderness over the surgical site may occur for approximately 3 to 4 months’ following surgery.

Risks & Concerns

The associated risks of surgery include;

Infection
Scar
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Need for further surgery

Failure to relieve symptoms
Worsening pain
Bleeding
Neurovascular deficit or injury
Risk of anaesthetic
Recurrence

If you experience any problems or have any concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the office. A/Prof. Lawson-Smith’s staff with ensure that A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith is kept informed of what is occurring and will advise you the best course of action.

If you are unable to reach the office, please do not hesitate to contact your GP or if it is an emergency, please present to your nearest Emergency Department.