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- Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger
See also: The New Victoria Orthopaedic Clinic
What is it?
Trigger finger is a condition that occurs in the flexor tendons of the hand that control finger movement. Classically the patient complains that on flexing the fingers they are unable then to straighten one of the fingers without using the other hand to force the finger open. This commonly occurs whilst you are asleep. On waking one notices a fixed, flexed finger. This can be painful, but the pain tends to be in the palm and this is where the tendon is catching on the opening to a well defined flexor tunnel, through which the tendon must run on its way to the tip of the finger.
What causes trigger finger?
It is often difficult to find the cause of trigger finger. Repeated pressure on the area could cause some of the cases. Tasks that require repeated grasping or the prolonged use of tools (scissors, screwdrivers) that press on the tendon sheath at the base of the finger or thumb may also irritate the tendons and the tendon sheath, causing them to thicken.
Trigger finger has also been associated with other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, gout and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
What can be done about it?
- Steroid Injection
- In the first method of treatment is a steroid injection into the affected area. This can be all that is needed in some cases.
- Surgery
- Where Trigger Finger cannot be corrected with a steroid injection, then surgery is the next option. The surgery can be carried out under local anaesthetic and is rarely done under general anaesthetic. Surgery takes approximately half an hour and involves administering local anaesthetic in the palm over the entrance to the flexor tunnel, a small cut through the skin and a release of the opening to the flexor tunnel. A small steroid injection is often injected into the wound to help reduce internal scarring. You can expect to go home the same day.
How long does it take to recover?
The patient is encouraged to open and close their fist regularly, every hour, post-operatively and arrangements will be made for hand therapy follow-up. The Hand Therapist usually sees the patient two or three days after the surgery, the dressing will be changed and the wound checked.
The stitches will be removed approximately two weeks after the surgery.
What can go wrong?
In general, surgery for trigger finger is safe and results are entirely predictable, with an associated high-degree of patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, no surgery is without risk and your surgeon will explain the risks and possible side-effects of treatment with you at your consultation.
Your surgeon our surgeon can discuss the exact nature of your treatment, including procedure details, recovery times and any possible side-effects at a consultation. This will reflect your exact circumstances and needs. The information included here is provided for general guidance only.
