Trigger Finger Release Overview
Trigger finger is a condition that affects the pulleys and tendons that are responsible for bending your fingers. It causes a painful ‘catching’ or ‘locking’ of the fingers or thumb as the tendon catches on the pulley, forcing that finger to “get stuck” in a bent position. It may straighten suddenly with a snap. The fingers most often affected are the ring finger and the thumb, but the condition can affect any finger. Ongoing damage every time the tendon ‘catches’ leads to further irritation and swelling. The finger may be difficult to bend (or straighten) and may even become locked in a fixed position. Moreover, there’s the frustration of not being able to do the things you want to, from buttoning your clothes to texting, or anything that requires finger dexterity.
The condition is most common in women over the age of 50. You may be at higher risk of trigger finger if you have diabetes, low thyroid function or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can worsen the trigger finger if part of the tendon sheath becomes swollen or if a small lump forms on the tendon, since trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls that finger can't glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it.
Dr. Kim is one of the few Board-Certified Hand Surgeons in the area. In addition to doing 5 years of general surgery, 2 years of plastic surgery training, and a year of research in wound healing, he also completed a 1-year hand surgical fellowship at the famous Kutz-Kleinert hand institute in Louisville, KY. Dr. Kim participated in the first US hand transplant in 1999. Dr. Kim has passed the intensive examinations to obtain (CAQH) board certification in hand surgery. He is also a member of the ASSH (American Society of Surgery of the Hand). He performs many of his hand surgeries with WALANT (wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) which makes the procedure and recovery fast and comfortable.
Trigger Finger Release Surgical Procedure
Surgery for trigger finger is done to increase the space for your flexor tendon to move. Dr. Kim performs trigger finger release under local anesthesia. Then he cuts about a 1/2-inch incision in your palm, at the base of and in line with the affected finger or thumb. The pulley is released by either cutting the tendon sheath or breaking apart the blocked area. The sheath can impede movement if it becomes too thick.
Dr. Kim then moves your finger around to check that the motion is smooth. Finally, some stitches close the small cut, and a light dressing applied.
Treatment for Trigger Finger
Dr. Kim is one of the few Board-Certified Hand Surgeons in the area. In addition to doing 5 years of general surgery, 2 years of plastic surgery training, and a year of research in wound healing, he also completed a 1-year hand surgical fellowship at the famous Kutz-Kleinert hand institute in Louisville, KY. Dr. Kim participated in the first US hand transplant in 1999. Dr. Kim has passed the intensive examinations to obtain (CAQH) board certification in hand surgery. He is also a member of the ASSH (American Society of Surgery of the Hand). He performs many of his hand surgeries with WALANT (wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) which makes the procedure and recovery fast and comfortable.
Trigger Finger Release Recovery
Recovery is quick for this type of surgery. It is encouraged that you start moving your finger almost immediately after surgery. You should be able to return to normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable.
You may wear a bandage on the finger for four or five days and need to keep the wound dry, and your finger and palm will be sore for a few days. You can use ice packs to ease the pain. To limit swelling, your doctor may suggest you keep your hand propped above your heart as much as possible.
Recovery usually takes a few weeks with full range of motion and grip strength returning in this time. You may be required to undergo hand therapy to aid in your healing and rehabilitation. Most people feel able to drive within five days. Avoid sport for two or three weeks, until the wound is healed, and you have returned grip strength.
