Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent position. Not only does it lead to limited motion and weakness in the fingers, but it can also cause significant pain. This condition develops when the tendon becomes stuck within its protective covering, and it’s unable to release. In most cases, medical professionals will try non-surgical treatments first before referring patients to a plastic/hand surgeon for trigger finger release surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about surgical options for trigger finger release, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule a consultation.

What Is Trigger Finger Release?

If you’re experiencing pain or an impeded range of movement in one finger, trigger finger release surgery may be your best option. The tendons that move fingers have a protective covering that surrounds them, but when the covering becomes inflamed or irritated, the tendon may not be able to glide through smoothly, causing it to become stuck. Trigger release surgery makes the opening that the tendon passes through wider.

Benefits of Trigger Finger Release

For those struggling with the negative effects of trigger finger, release surgery offers numerous benefits, including:

Relieved pain and discomfort
Restored range of finger motion
Reduced swelling and inflammation
Less pressure during finger movement

Recovery After Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger release is a day surgery. The entire process is completed in the surgeon’s office either under local anesthesia (numbing) alone or with mild sedatives to calm and relax the patient. After treatment, recovery takes just a few weeks. You’ll need to rest the treated hand and especially limit the use of the released finger for 2-3 weeks. You should follow aftercare instructions carefully to keep the surgical site clean and promote healing. They may also recommend topical and/or oral medications to prevent infection. Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications should be used to manage discomfort during healing.

Risks Associated with Trigger Finger Release

Surgery for trigger finger release is relatively safe and minimally invasive, but there are always risks associated with any surgical procedure. This surgery is performed by making a relatively small incision, which minimizes the risks associated with other surgical procedures. The entire surgery is completed in one short visit, so there’s no need for an overnight stay or general anesthesia, which further reduces surgical risks.

You should always take time to consult with a knowledgeable plastic/hand surgeon before committing to any surgical treatment. They can walk you through all of your treatment options, answer your questions, and help you prepare for what to expect during surgery.

A skilled surgeon will mitigate many of the risks associated with trigger finger release, but there are still some potential risks associated with trigger finger release, including:

Allergic response to bandaging, medications, numbing, and other surgical materials
Infection
Scarring
Stiffness or limited range of movement
Loss of sensation that may be temporary or permanent
Nerve damage
Tendon becoming mispositioned
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare usually short-term condition causing swelling and discomfort