Trigger Finger

This is a very common condition, especially in patients with diabetes (which is also common). It begins with mild discomfort in the palm, and results in locking of the finger in flexion. It then often ‘flips’ out straight. Some patients can’t bend the finger, partly due to fear of it getting stuck. The good news is that I see this condition in a new patient almost every week and the vast majority are cured by a single steroid injection which I can do in the clinic and takes only a few moments.

About one in ten eventually decide they would like an operation if the condition recurs after one or two injections. Most patients never need to come back for more treatment. The surgery is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic and takes about 15 minutes in the operating theatre. A small (1cm) transverse incision in the palm, and the tendon pulley is released. A small dressing and palm bandage is applied. General post operative advice is then followed.

To view a Trigger Finger Release Procedure, please Cick Here