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What is
Trigger Finger Release?
An operation that frees the tendon in your
hand is called trigger finger release.
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Effects
of Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger release is effective in
making the finger move freely as soon as the
post-operative swelling has disappeared.
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Candidates
for Trigger Finger Release
Surgery may be necessary for those whose
finger or thumb is in a locked position and
if conventional treatment is not successful.
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Your
Consultation
Prior to the procedure, you will have a few
basic tests done, such as pulse,
temperature, and blood pressure. You should
advise the doctor of any allergies to drugs
or dressings. After that, the doctor will
interview and examine you. He will also
describe the operation to you and check that
everything is in order.
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The Trigger Finger Release
Procedure
Normally, the doctor basically needs to cut
the band that is constricting the tendon as
it passes through the sheath. You may be
requested to move the tendon throughout the
surgery to confirm that it has been
released. In some cases, the doctor may
need to take away the part of the tendon
sheath that is causing the tendon to get
stuck.
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis using local
anesthesia. The doctor decides on the type of incision and
it may be straight, transverse or zigzag. The incision will
typically be centered over the start of the pulley and is
close to the last transverse crease of the palm. In the
thumb, the incision is done where the thumb joins the hand.
The doctor divides the constricted pulley, which instantly
allows it to open up and release its hold on the swollen
tendon. In some instances, a few of the thickened tissues
that enclose the tendons will be removed. A number of small
sutures will be employed to close the incision and a
dressing, which permits some finger or thumb movement. The
dressing may be taken out after several days so that full
motion can be attained. It is suggested that the hand be
kept clean and dry until the sutures are removed at 10 to 14
days.
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Recovery
Recovery from trigger finger surgery is
generally fast, although the surgical site
stays tender and somewhat firm for several
weeks. Activities that entail pressure
against the palm should perhaps be prevented
for 2 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
A light dressing will be applied to the hand to allow the
fingers to move but still protect the wound. Following
surgery, it is imperative to rest and reduce the activity of
the affected finger or thumb, hand and wrist for about 4 to
6 months.
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Risks
Complications are rare but may hinder the
capacity to attain a satisfactory result in
several patients. Infection could
significantly compromise wound healing and
could even create adhesions that restrict
tendon gliding and finger or thumb motion.
Although rare, nerve injury can at times
result from the retraction used for surgical
exposure or direct laceration during the
procedure – causing temporary or even
permanent numbness in one or more digits.
The enhanced tendon gliding that is
accomplished by the surgery is usually
permanent, but on rare instances, it
continues or recurs, requiring added
treatment. In some patients, the tenderness
in the palm endures for an unusually long
time after the procedure.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What is trigger finger?
A:
It is a common disorder of the hand that results in a
painful catching of the fingers or thumb. The medical name
for the condition is stenosing tenosynovitis, which
refers to an inflammation and narrowing of the outer
covering or sheath that surrounds the tendons that bend the
fingers.
Q: What are the causes of trigger finger?
A:
The cause is hard to define in a lot of cases of trigger
finger. Many doctors believe that repetitive strain of the
area might bring about trigger finger. Tasks that
necessitate repeated grasping or the lengthened use of tools
(scissors, screwdrivers) that press on the tendon sheath at
the base of the finger or thumb may also aggravate the
tendons and the tendon sheath, causing them to thicken.
Trigger finger is also linked with other conditions
including rheumatoid arthritis, gout and metabolic disorders
like diabetes.
Q: What are the symptoms of trigger finger?
A:
One of the first indications of trigger finger may be
discomfort or tenderness in the palm precisely beneath the
affected finger or thumb. This is the spot where the tendon
sheath enters the finger. The most evident symptom for most
people is when the finger or thumb actually has the painful
“triggering” or locking problem. Other probable symptoms of
trigger finger are swelling or stiffness in the fingers and
soreness in the affected finger or thumb. Leaving trigger
finger untreated may cause it to become closed in a bent
position or, less likely, in a straightened position.
Q: Will the surgery hurt?
A:
You may experience some discomfort but the wound is usually
pain-free. You will be provided with painkillers to take
home and these should ease the discomfort.
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