What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff, or straightens with a painful snap. It can also affect your thumb.

The tendons that bend your fingers usually glide freely through tight tunnels made by flexor tendon pulleys attached to bones 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. Over time the tendon becomes inflamed and a lump (nodule) can form.

What are the benefits of surgery?

The aim is to allow your finger to move freely.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Simple stretching in the early stages can ease the symptoms. Non-steroidal tablets such as ibuprofen may also help.

A splint may be used at night to stop the finger bending over.

A steroid injection around the base of your finger can treat the problem in up to 6 in 10 people. However, you may need more than one injection. If one or two injections fail surgery may be considered.

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 on the palm of your hand at the base of your finger. They will cut open the roof of the fibrous tunnel that is causing the trigger finger. This allows the tendon to glide freely through the tunnel.

How can I prepare myself for the operation?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

What complications can happen?

General complications of any operation

• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication

Specific complications of this operation

• numbness in your finger
• tenderness of the scar
• Bowstringing. This happens if important pulleys have been released as this causes the tendon to move away from the bone. This stops you being able to fully straighten your finger.
• severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your hand
• failure of the operation to improve your symptoms

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of your skin

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 2 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.

If your finger was stiff before the operation, it can take several months before you can move your finger normally.

Summary

Trigger 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.

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