Trigger Finger Surgery

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the hand. As the finger or thumb is bent towards the palm, the tendon gets stuck and the finger clicks or locks

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Around 2-3% of people develop trigger finger. While the cause of trigger finger is not known, certain factors may increase the likelihood of it developing. For example, it is more common in:

* females,
* people who are over 40 years of age, and
* people with certain medical conditions.

These medical conditions include other conditions in the hand, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, and some long-term conditions, such as diabetes. Around 10% of people with diabetes develop trigger finger.

What causes trigger finger?

What are the treatment options?

No treatment. Around 1 in 5 cases will improve without any treatment. Simply resting the hand and allowing any inflammation to settle may resolve the problem.

A steroid injection. A steroid injection into the tendon sheath is one treatment if the condition does not settle. It works by reducing inflammation and works in about 9/10 cases. Second injections are sometimes required.

Surgery. An operation done under local anaesthetic may be advised if the above does not work. A small cut is usually made at the base of the finger and the tendon sheath is widened. The operation is usually very successful.

What are the possible complications?

What happens on the day of my operation?

On the day of your operation you can eat and drink normally and take your usual medication – unless otherwise stated in specific cases. Please wear something with loose fitting sleeves and remove and rings on the hand that is to be operated on.

In the operating theatre there will be a few of us to make sure you are well looked after and comfortable. If you would like to listen to some music during the operation please bring a favourite CD or ipod etc.

You will need a responsible adult to drive you home. You will be with us for less than an hour.

The operation requires the hand to be numbed with local anaesthetic, which is very effective. The basis of the operation is to release and prevent further triggering.

What happens after the operation?

IHG general exclusion criteria

1. Any local anaesthetic allergy.
2. Any latex allergy.
3. Implantable defibrillator.
4. 2 week wait referrals for cancer care.
5. Patients aged <18 years.
6. Patient weighing over 135Kg.
7. Patients who are detained under the Mental Health Act or are experiencing an acute psychotic episode.
8. Patients being detained by Her Majesty’s Prison Service, where security arrangements are deemed not to be appropriate.

NB We should also only treat patients who are deemed suitable for local anaesthetic treatment in the community and who prefer local anaesthetic over a general anaesthetic.

Trigger Finger Surgery – PDF Downloads

What our patients say

Made to feel very welcome and at ease and with very little pain

Hathaway Medical Centre – Mar 24

Experience with the surgeon and nurse was excellent and kept me at ease

Kingskerswell Health Centre – Mar 24

All very friendly and cheerful, kept me calm. A lovely team

White Horse Medical Centre – Mar 24

Everything went as planned in a friendly environment. Full explanations were offered afterwards, and all questions answered

Hathaway Medical Centre – Mar 24

Great care from all of the nurses and doctors

Aspen Centre – Mar 24

I felt immediately relaxed by all the friendly staff who executed confidence

The County Practice, Syston – Mar 24

Superb! Highly recommend!

White Horse Medical Centre – Mar 24

Minute I met the surgeon I knew I wanted her to do the op – lots of advice, explained everything very well. Friendly service

Salisbury (Millstream House) – Mar 24

The whole process, team friendly, felt at ease

The County Practice, Syston – Mar 24

Quick and easy, everyone so friendly here. Cannot fault it

Aspen Centre – Mar 24

Brilliant service – Love the country music!

Kingskerswell Health Centre – Jan 24

Amazing friendly team! Calm, made me feel relaxed and I didn’t feel a thing throughout the procedure. Can’t thank you enough!

Hathaway Medical Centre – Jan 24

After feeling scared, I have been made to feel safe & comfortable. Nurses & surgeon checked on me at every stage

Hathaway Medical Centre – Jan 24

Administration excellent all the way through. Everything explained clearly with good note to take away. All staff friendly and considerate.

White Horse Medical Centre – Jan 24

Brilliant. Hernia detected and fixed in 2 weeks! Surgery done very competently, without significant pain

Aspen Centre – Jan 24

Brilliant surgeon and team. Friendly, caring, and chatty. Well done <3 x

The County Practice, Syston – Jan 24

Great service – friendly reassurance clear information. Thank you for tea.

White Horse Medical Centre – Jan 24

Can’t believe how quick the operation was!

White Horse Medical Centre – Jan 24

You were all very kind and caring for a particularly nervous patient

Hathaway Medical Centre – Jan 24

Local, modern premises, excellent staff, spotlessly clean, parking facilities

The County Practice, Syston – Jan 24

Very welcoming, made you feel as comfortable as possible.

Kingskerswell Health Centre – Nov 23

Totally professional, friendly, welcoming.

White Horse Medical Centre – Nov 23

Efficient lovely staff, really kind and supportive.

Hathaway Medical Centre – Nov 23

Everyone was amazing, so kind & caring. Very informative.

White Horse Medical Centre – Nov 23

Made to feel relaxed and supported through procedure.

Aspen Centre – Nov 23

Well organised, well informed, friendly and professional.

The County Practice, Syston – Nov 23

Everything was thoroughly explained – excellent care & treatment throughout.

White Horse Medical Centre – Nov 23

Absolutely delighted with the service I’ve received. Everyone is so kind.

White Horse Medical Centre – Nov 23

Very welcoming, very friendly and excellent job done.

Hathaway Medical Centre – Nov 23

Quick, efficient, lovely staff – same surgeon – continuity.

Aspen Centre – Nov 23

Much easier than going to Torbay + very friendly.

Kingskerswell Health Centre – Oct 23

Friendly, professional and explained what was happening every step of the way. No trouble, no drama.

Hathaway Medical Centre – Oct 23

Very well organised, lovely staff.

Hathaway Medical Centre – Oct 23

Easy, friendly, efficient, informative, made me feel very at ease.

White Horse Medical Centre – Oct 23

I felt looked after and cared for all the way through pre-surgery and surgery.

Aspen Centre – Oct 23

The staff were friendly and well aware of my needs and therefore kept me suitably distracted.

The County Practice, Syston – Oct 23

Everyone is so lovely – I was nervous but the staff put me at ease.

White Horse Medical Centre – Oct 23

Thank you, I’m very pleased – it’s like a light has been turned on.

White Horse Medical Centre – Oct 23

I’ve been very well received and am very pleased. Explained everything very well.

Aspen Centre – Oct 23

Has enjoyed this experience, painless, quick, very quickly seen and treated. Brilliant.

The County Practice, Syston – Oct 23

Excellent service, great staff. Fully informed.

White Horse Medical Centre – Sept 23

Friendly, funny but professional.

Kingskerswell Health Centre – Sept 23

Attentive care, good explanation.

Hathaway Medical Centre – Sept 23

Very friendly staff, perfect explanation about procedure.

White Horse Medical Centre – Sept 23

Fantastic care, and excellent service.

Aspen Centre – Sept 23

Everyone I met today was excellent. Very friendly and attentive.

The County Practice, Syston – Sept 23

Thank you very much – compassionate, professional staff.

White Horse Medical Centre – Sept 23

I’ve been treated extremely well by a wonderful team.

White Horse Medical Centre – Sept 23

Splendid treatment, couldn’t be happier.

Aspen Centre – Sept 23

Efficient, friendly, kind, informative. Easy to access.

The County Practice, Syston – Sept 23

Made to feel very comfortable – lovely team

The County Practice, Syston – May 23

Always been really easy, friendly, professional and a relaxed environment

Aspen Center – Jun 23

Excellent service from start to finish

The County Practice, Syston – Jun 23

Get in touch

Available at the following clinics:

Syston