Patient education: Trigger finger release (The Basics)

What is trigger finger? — 

This is a condition that keeps a finger from straightening normally (figure 1). It happens when a tendon in the finger and the covering around it get inflamed. (Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones.) Trigger finger is sometimes called "stenosis flexor tenosynovitis."

What is trigger finger release? — 

This is surgery to treat trigger finger if other treatments have not helped. It involves cutting 1 of the ligaments around the inflamed tendon. (A ligament is a strong band of tissue.) Normally, these ligaments wrap around the tendon and work like a pulley to help keep the finger in place. But for people with trigger finger, cutting the affected ligament can relieve their symptoms.

Trigger finger release can be done in 2 ways:

●Open surgery – The doctor makes a cut, or "incision," in the skin on the palm of the hand. This lets them see directly inside the finger to cut the ligament.

●Closed surgery – The doctor puts a special needle through the skin on the palm of the hand. They can use ultrasound (an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures) to see inside the finger. They use the needle to cut the ligament.

How do I prepare for trigger finger release? — 

The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare.

Before the procedure, your doctor will do an exam. They will also ask about your "health history." This involves asking about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:

●Any medicines you are taking – This includes prescription and "over-the-counter" medicines, plus any herbal supplements. It helps to write down and bring a list of your medicines, or bring a bag with all your medicines with you.

●Any allergies you have

●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.

You will also get information about:

●Eating and drinking before the procedure – You might need to "fast" before surgery. This means not eating or drinking anything for a period of time. Or you might be allowed to have liquids until a short time before the procedure. Whether you need to fast, and for how long, depends on the procedure.

●Lowering the risk of infection – You might need to wash your hand and arm with a special soap.

●What help you will need when you go home – For example, you might need someone else to bring you home or stay with you for some time while you recover. You will likely need help with daily activities like getting dressed, especially if the affected finger is on your dominant hand.

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during trigger finger release? — 

When it is time for the procedure:

●You might get an "IV," which is a thin tube that goes into a vein. This can be used to give you fluids and medicines.

●You will get anesthesia medicines. This is to make sure you do not feel pain during the procedure. Types of anesthesia include:

•Local – This uses medicine to numb a small part of your body so you don't feel pain. This is the most common type of anesthesia for trigger finger release.

•Regional – This blocks pain in 1 area of your body, such as an arm, a leg, or the lower half of your body.

●You might also get "sedative" medicines to make you relax and feel sleepy. But these are usually not needed.

●You might get medicines to help control pain after the procedure.

●The doctors and nurses will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate during the procedure.

●If you are getting open surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin on the palm of your hand, just below your finger. If they are doing closed surgery, they will insert a needle through the skin on your palm instead.

●They will cut the affected ligament to free the tendon.

●They will close your incision and cover it with a clean bandage.

●The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes.

What happens after trigger finger release? — 

You will be taken to a recovery room. The staff will watch you closely as your anesthesia wears off. You can probably go home the same day.

As you recover:

●If you had general anesthesia or sedatives, you might feel groggy or confused for a short time. You might also feel nauseous or vomit. The doctor or nurse can give you medicine to help with this.

●The staff will help you get out of bed and start moving around when you are ready.

●You will get medicine to help with pain, if needed. You might need other medicines, too.

●When you are ready to eat, you will start with clear liquids. Then, you can start eating as you are able. You might feel better if you start with bland foods.

What are the risks of trigger finger release? — 

Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding

●Infection

●Scarring

●Damage to a nerve or tendon

People with diabetes are more likely to get some of these complications.

What else should I know? — 

Before you go home from the hospital, make sure you know what problems to look out for and when to call the doctor. Make sure you understand your doctor's or nurse's instructions. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.

More on this topic

Patient education: Trigger finger release – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Trigger finger (The Basics)
Patient education: Tenosynovitis (The Basics)