When your finger suddenly bends and snaps back into the right position, or even worse, refuses to straighten, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Trigger fingers can be corrected with non-surgical means. It is only in severe cases that doctors recommend trigger finger surgery.

Trigger finger surgery is treated with the same caution as other surgical treatments. You will need to prepare for the surgery, which is unlikely to occur the same day you see the doctor.

Preparation For Trigger Finger Surgery

Once the doctor confirms that the best solution is surgery, you’ll need to prepare. Fortunately, trigger finger surgery takes a short time, usually less than an hour. It is also a surgery carried out on outpatients, so you need not worry about sleeping at the hospital.

However, you must take several steps to prepare for trigger finger surgery.

• Ask someone to drive you home after the surgery. The anaesthesia and pain medication will make it difficult for you to go back home on your own.
• Find out the type of surgery the doctor intends to use. Is it open surgery or percutaneous release?
• Inform your doctor of all the drugs you take so that he is aware in case of any drug interactions. This includes herbal products and supplements. Before your surgery, you’ll need to stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin. You shouldn’t take drugs that increase the bleeding risk during surgery.
• Find out if you should expect complications from the trigger finger or the treatments you will receive.
• Ask the doctor when you should have your last meal or drink before the surgery.
• Avoid alcohol before the surgery. Discuss this with your doctor for guidance.

Questions Your Doctor Is Likely to Ask

Before the trigger finger surgery, the doctor will ask questions about your finger. When you expect these questions, you’ll be keen on the symptoms of your trigger finger. Here are questions you should expect from the doctor.

• What are the symptoms you are experiencing?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• Are the symptoms constant, or do they come and go?
• Does any movement in your finger make you feel better or worse?
• Is there a time in the day when symptoms are worse or better?
• What repetitive tasks do you perform?
• Have you had a hand injury recently?

The answers to these questions will guide the doctor on the possible causes of the trigger finger, its severity, and the best surgery. If you have underlying conditions, such as diabetes, the doctor needs to know so that he can choose the most suitable trigger finger surgery.

The Surgery

This surgery can take as little as 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type of surgery. Open surgery is easier for doctors because they can see what is happening with the tendon sheath. Percutaneous release may take a little longer since doctors rely on ultrasound imaging.

The surgery aims to release the affected A1 pulley at the base of the trigger finger. This will allow the tendons to move easily. Sometimes, a swollen tendon sheath may be cut to allow easy movement.

The doctor’s approach depends on the trigger finger’s cause and severity.

The doctor will stitch your finger when satisfied with the surgery. You’ll probably have 2 – 5 stitches.

The success rate of trigger finger surgery is relatively high, with doctors placing it at 90%.

After The Surgery

Once the pain from the trigger finger surgery eases, you’ll feel much better. The finger will move more smoothly. Doctors recommend moving the finger as soon as possible to keep the tissue from becoming too stiff. You’ll start with light exercises and increase the movements as you get better.

Your doctor will also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and a sling to keep your hand raised. This will keep it from swelling until you heal.

It may take a few months of therapy for the soreness and stiffness to go completely. However, you’ll be able to use your hand to perform some of your daily tasks easily. However, you should ensure you don’t strain your finger until it heals.

Although it is rare, some patients develop tendon or nerve infections or scarring after the surgery. So, it would be best to ask your doctor about some complications to prepare you for any eventualities.