TRIGGER FINGER

What is it?

Trigger finger is a condition of the flexor tendon of the hand that cause catching (triggering) and pain in the finger.

What causes it?

A thickening develops on the tendon that cause restriction as it glides through the sheath.  It usually affects patient in their 40s to 70s but can affect any age.

How is it treated?

Generally this is treated without surgery.  The most effective initial treatment is a cortisone injection performed by a doctor.  The injection is placed in the sheath to decrease inflammation and improve the gliding of the tendon.  Up to 3 injections can be given and are often curative.  Other treatments include bracing or hand therapy.  Most patient do not have surgery for this condition. 

Description of Surgical Treatment

For patients that can are not cured by the usual treatments, surgery is very successful.  It is a wide awake procedure with  local anesthesia and no tourniquet.  We perform it in the outpatient department of a hospital.  There is a some pain with the injection and no or minimal pain with the surgical release.  We confirm at the time of the surgery that there is no more triggering.  Soreness will be present for a few weeks after with most patients getting back to usual activities at 4 weeks.