Trigger Finger Release Surgery

The decision to proceed with surgery is based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical examination findings.

Each case requires an individual assessment taking into account:

• severity of the condition,
• symptom intensity,
• hand function,
• previous treatments,
• lifestyle and activity level.

Trigger finger surgery may be recommended in cases of:

• finger catching or locking during movement,
• pain at the base of the finger, particularly on the palm side,
• snapping sensation during finger flexion or extension,
• difficulty fully bending or straightening the finger,
• stiffness that is more pronounced in the morning,
• persistent limitation of movement,
• progressive deterioration of hand function,
• failure of conservative treatment, including rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory therapy, or injections.

The condition most commonly affects the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger, although any finger may be involved.

Recovery is usually relatively quick and depends on the extent of the procedure and the severity of the condition.

In most cases:

• early finger mobilisation is possible,
• the hand gradually returns to simple daily activities,
• full function is restored progressively,
• regular exercises are recommended to support normal tendon movement.

In more advanced cases or when adhesions are present, hand therapy or individually tailored rehabilitation may be recommended to restore mobility and hand function.

Appropriate rehabilitation and adherence to postoperative recommendations support the recovery process.

Tendon release surgery is most commonly considered in patients with impaired tendon gliding and painful locking of the finger during movement.

Surgery may be recommended in cases of:

• triggering or locking of the finger,
• pain at the base of the finger on the palmar side,
• a catching sensation during finger flexion or extension,
• difficulty performing everyday activities requiring grip strength,
• hand stiffness that is more pronounced after periods of rest,
• reduced finger mobility,
• adhesions limiting tendon movement,
• lack of improvement despite conservative treatment, including rehabilitation, activity modification or anti-inflammatory injections.

Each case requires an individual assessment and appropriate treatment planning.

The primary objective of trigger finger release surgery is to restore free finger movement and reduce pain.

Potential benefits include:

• smoother finger movement,
• reduced pain and discomfort,
• elimination or significant reduction of finger locking,
• greater ease in performing daily activities,
• improved hand function,
• restoration of more natural hand movement,
• improved comfort during everyday tasks.

Surgical treatment removes the mechanical cause of the problem responsible for the movement restriction, allowing the tendon to glide more freely within the tendon sheath.

Why is timely treatment important?

Untreated trigger finger may lead to persistent limitations in movement. Over time, this may result in:

• permanent finger locking,
• progression of contractures,
• chronic pain,
• impaired hand function.

Therefore, treatment decisions should be made following specialist consultation and appropriate diagnostic assessment.

What is trigger finger release surgery?

Trigger finger release surgery is a procedure performed to treat a condition in which a finger catches, locks, or snaps during bending and straightening.

The condition is usually caused by thickening of the tendon or narrowing of the tendon sheath, which prevents the tendon from gliding smoothly.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure involves releasing the tendon by dividing a portion of the tendon sheath responsible for compression and restricted movement.

This creates more space for the tendon, eliminates the mechanical obstruction, reduces friction, and helps restore smooth finger movement.

Is trigger finger release surgery performed under local anaesthesia?

In most cases, yes. Trigger finger release is most commonly performed under local anaesthesia.

This means the treated area is numbed, while the patient remains awake during the procedure.

When is trigger finger surgery recommended?

Surgery may be recommended when finger catching, locking, pain, stiffness, or restricted movement persist and interfere with everyday activities.

It is also considered when conservative treatment, such as rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory therapy, or injections, has not provided sufficient improvement.

Which fingers are most commonly affected?

Trigger finger most commonly affects the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger.

However, any finger may be involved.

What are the potential benefits of treatment?

Patients may experience smoother finger movement, reduced pain, elimination or significant reduction of locking, greater ease in daily activities, and improved hand function.

Complete healing requires time and appropriate post-operative care.

Why should treatment not be delayed?

If left untreated, trigger finger may progress and lead to persistent locking, worsening movement restriction, pain during everyday activities, contractures, and reduced effectiveness of conservative treatment.

Early evaluation can help prevent progression and improve hand comfort and function.

Is surgery the only treatment option?

No. In the earlier stages, conservative treatment may be effective.

This can include reducing repetitive strain on the hand, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, or corticosteroid injections.

Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist, locking becomes more frequent, or movement becomes painful or significantly restricted.

Why do symptoms worsen during movement?

Normally, the tendon should glide smoothly within its sheath.

When the sheath narrows or the tendon thickens, movement becomes restricted, friction increases, and the finger begins to snap, catch, or lock.

Surgical treatment removes the mechanical cause of this restriction.

What does recovery look like?

Recovery is usually relatively quick.

Early finger movement is often encouraged, simple daily tasks can usually be resumed shortly after surgery, and full function gradually returns over time.

Rehabilitation is necessary only in selected cases.

What is the main goal of trigger finger release surgery?

The main goal is to restore smooth, pain-free finger movement without locking or restrictions that interfere with everyday activities.

The procedure aims to improve both comfort and everyday hand function.