Trigger Finger Surgery

Trigger finger affects the flexor tendons, which control flexion of the finger; that is to say, they pull the fingertips into the hand towards the palm. These tendons can develop nodules, or knots, which then become stuck on the pulley bands that normally keep them in position against the finger bones. In particularly bad cases, the nodules can become so large that the tendon is unable to pass through the pulley at all, making it impossible to flex or extend the finger, depending on the position when it becomes stuck.

Conservative treatment of trigger finger consists of cortisone injection, which can be an effective remedy in up to 50% of occurrences. Should this injection prove ineffective then surgery may be necessary. The procedure is a simple one, and only requires local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the affected finger(s), through which the pulley band upon which the knotted tendon is caught is sliced, freeing the tendon to return to its standard mobility. The wound is then closed and sewn shut with three to four stitches. Mobility returns to the finger almost immediately.

A light dressing will be placed over the wound, and this must be kept dry for ten days, after which time the stitches are taken out by the doctor, and light activity may be resumed. By about four weeks, any tenderness at the scar site should resolve, and full function returns. It is not uncommon to see trigger finger occur in different digits of the same hand at different times, although recurrence is extremely unlikely in the same digit.

[MarkSmith-jspu]

I had that exact surgical procedure for a middle finger. Results were outstanding with minimal recovery hassles. That was about 8 yrs ago.

[kimberlypatton]

I am a retired horticulturist. I have a trigger middle finger that I’ve had for at least 15 years. It came from repetitive use of that finger to dig small holes for 6 pack flower planting jobs instead of using a tool to get the jobs done faster.It has not hurt but it is worse from time to time and I have to sometimes manually open it -it gets stuck. I have an appt soon with an orthopedic surgeon to fix it. I don’t want cortisone shots, I just want it fixed with surgery because it is a huge annoyance when cooking, crocheting and general everyday activities. I’m just sick of it, so I’m strongly going for the surgery. Wish me luck!

[ceentetsee]

I love the way you explained the process. Thank you. I need surgery on my thumb. This condition is so painful.

[communityservicesnetworksd]

Excellent presentation. I am going to have this surgery done and it was good to know what was going to happen. Thanks.

[leeeldrut]

I have had 7 fingers done for trigger finger and 3 for Dupuytren's the past 4 years. Two of the trigger fingers were a single finger and done in the docs office with just a numbing injection. Not fun. The others done in the hospital, under general anesthesia, as more than one finger was done. On one Dupuytren's I waited too long as the finger does not straighten out fully. I did a couple of steroid injection and they were a waste of time as well as hurt like hell. Always Always have a board-certified hand surgeon do the surgery and any injections you may have, as mine was. I am 76 yo. Excellent video.

[vickiechilders]

I had this done several years ago and the surgery was very painful. Will never do it again!

[okolemahu]

Yea, I don’t agree that repetitive activity causes it. Seems to be more related to inflammatory tendencies in various people.

[rhdtv]

Have had 4 of these issue and this surgery fixed it.

[Okikor]

Can the patient be completely awake during the surgery? If not, why? Does the sheath heal with time? If not, why do we need the sheath in the first place? Thanks.

[sherriburridge]

When would it be nessisary to make the insision vertical and 2 inches long instead of horizontal and 1/2inch wide

[catherinecassady]

Excellent presentation, greatly reduced my anxiety over impending procedure.

[mikelstevenson]

Studio musician here.  Concerned about losing dexterity to play piano and/or guitar.  Anyone know how long before playing these instruments can resume

[LaurelLaFlamme]

Outstanding explanation. Thank you very much. 

[busymoma]

I have had both wrists done for carpal tunnel. I am going for my 2nd trigger finger on my right hand on 2/18, and my 3rd trigger finger on my left hand on 3/18.

[cosmic_snot]

What happens to the pulley after its cut and the skin is closed with stitches?

[erikshen]

I tried it ALL! ON DECEMBER 6TH 2021 I had 6 trigger fingers SURGICALLY repaired! Had DISTAL TRIGGERING AS WELL!! CORTISONE IS LIKE PUTTING A BAND AID OVER A SHOTGUN WOUND!!

[dbapeman]

Is reducing the inflammation of the tendon and or pulleys via dietary changes an option?

[micheled]

I planned on taking only two days off from my typing job. Also diabetic and worried about infection. Yikes. But has to be done.

[tintran]

good explanation. thank you very much. But new technology is that Ultrasound -Guided percutanness Tigger finger release is better because they just used the needle only without incision

[robj]

what's the disadvantage of cutting the pulleys? After all were born with them for a reason