Trigger finger is a condition where one of your fingers becomes painful, stiff, or even “locks” when you try to move it. Normally, the flexor tendons that bend the fingers glide smoothly within a protective sheath. When this tendon becomes thickened or develops a nodule, it may catch on the sheath, resulting in pain and difficulty straightening the finger.
In many cases, trigger finger surgery may be recommended if non-surgical options are not effective.
The signs of trigger finger can range from mild stiffness to significant pain and finger locking. Recognising these symptoms early helps in seeking appropriate care.
Common symptoms include;
If these symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may recommend trigger finger surgery to restore smooth finger movement.
This can lead to symptoms of pain on moving the affected finger and in severe cases can cause clicking or locking of the finger leading to an inability to straighten the finger.
Trigger finger can often be diagnosed during a physical examination. Your surgeon will check for pain, swelling, and locking in the finger.
In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be used to:
Early diagnosis ensures timely treatment and helps prevent worsening of symptoms. If the problem persists despite conservative treatments, trigger finger surgery is usually considered.
Trigger finger can usually be diagnosed on clinical assessment, however in some cases an ultrasound may help in locating the site of the thickening or nodule in the tendon.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how long you have had the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Surgical Treatment:
If non-surgical treatments fail, trigger finger surgery is recommended. The surgery releases part of the tight tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide more freely. It is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate and is often done as day surgery.
This procedure is a simple day surgery designed to relieve symptoms and restore smooth finger movement.
What happens during surgery?
Day Surgery Explanation:
While trigger finger surgery is generally safe, all procedures carry some risks. Complications are rare, but may include;
Your surgeon will only recommend surgery if the benefits clearly outweigh these risks. Most patients recover well with significant improvement in hand function.
After trigger finger surgery, proper care and a gradual return to activity are important for smooth healing and optimal outcomes.
Typical recovery process:
Most patients regain normal hand use gradually, with pain and stiffness improving as healing progresses.
Treatment of trigger finger depends on the duration and severity of symptoms. In mild cases it may be managed with a steroid injection or splint. However, in many cases surgery is indicated to help the tendon glide more freely. This involves releasing part of the tendon sheath at the area of tightness through a small incision in the palm.
A consultation with your plastic surgeon will enable personalisation of the procedure and care to your unique situation.
Surgery is usually performed as day surgery under either local anaesthetic and sedation or local anaesthetic alone. If you are having sedation, you will need to fast on the day of surgery, and organise a support person to take you home and be around to help in the first few days after surgery.
After surgery, your hand will be wrapped in a bandage for comfort. After a few days, you will be able to remove this and start to move your fingers and use your hand for light activities.
A post-operative appointment will be organised for you to see your plastic surgeon 1-2 weeks after surgery to check your wounds, remove sutures and provide advice to care for your hand as you recover. Generally you will not be able to drive for 2 weeks after surgery and will need between 2-4 weeks off work depending on your type of work (manual work vs office based work).
All operations have risks, though major complications are rare after trigger finger surgery. There is a small risk of concerns that may delay healing and require a little extra care (eg minor bleeding, infection, or over active or sensitive scars). Very rarely there is a risk of injury to the digital nerves that provide sensation to the finger and lie next to the tendon sheath. Very rarely there is a risk that not enough of the tendon sheath is released which may lead to ongoing symptoms of pain and locking of the finger.
These risks may vary depending on your specific situation and will be discussed with you at your consultation. Please feel reassured that your plastic surgeon will only recommend surgery if they feel that the benefit of the procedure substantially outweigh the risks.
If you have trigger finger surgery, the majority of the cost is rebatable through Medicare and standard private health insurance. This does require a referral from your family doctor.
After your consultation, a detailed quote will be provided to you including the surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital fee.
No. Trigger finger surgery is considered a minor day procedure, usually done under local anaesthetic, with most patients going home the same day.
The surgery itself is not painful as anaesthetic is used. Some soreness or swelling may occur afterwards, but this usually improves within days.
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Please be aware that all surgical procedures require a consultation with our plastic surgeons to allow a thorough assessment and discussion of your specific needs.
Plastic Surgery Central
235 Greenhill Rd
Dulwich SA 5065
