Trigger Finger Surgery

Dr Jacqueline Tan

Senior Consultant Hand Surgeon

MBBS (SG) | MRCS (Edin) | MMed (Surgery) | FAMS (Hand Surgery)

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and may straighten with a snapping motion, similar to pulling and releasing a trigger. This occurs when the tendon in the affected finger becomes inflamed, restricting smooth movement through its protective sheath.

Trigger finger can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in performing daily tasks. Surgery is often recommended for severe or persistent cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective.

Indications Preparation Procedure Recovery Risks FAQ

Indications for Trigger Finger Surgery

Surgical intervention is considered when trigger finger symptoms interfere with hand function or do not respond to conservative treatments.

Persistent Trigger Finger Symptoms: Ongoing pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the affected finger or thumb that does not improve with rest, splinting, or medications may require surgical treatment.
Finger Locking: In advanced cases, the finger may lock in a bent position and require manual assistance to straighten. Surgery is often the best option to restore full mobility.
Symptoms Affecting Daily Activities: Severe symptoms that make it difficult to perform tasks such as gripping, writing, or typing can significantly affect quality of life, making surgery necessary.

Preparing for Trigger Finger Surgery

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth surgical experience and recovery.

Pre-Surgical Assessments

Before surgery, your orthopaedic hand surgeon will evaluate your condition through a physical examination, assessing symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and finger locking.

Preoperative Instructions

Fasting: If general anaesthesia is planned (rare), fasting for several hours before the procedure may be required.
Medication Adjustments: Certain medications, like blood thinners, may need to be paused temporarily to minimize bleeding risks.
Lifestyle Modifications: Smoking cessation is encouraged to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Trigger Finger Surgical Procedure

The surgery is straightforward and generally completed within 15–30 minutes, often using a minimally invasive approach. However, pre-operative preparation and recovery time at the clinic may extend the overall visit.

Administering Anaesthesia

Trigger finger release surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the hand while keeping the patient awake.

Making the Incision

A small incision, typically less than 1cm, is made at the base of the affected finger to access the tendon sheath.

Releasing the Tendon

The surgeon carefully cuts the constricted sheath to release the tendon, ensuring smooth movement of the finger.

Closing the Incision

The incision is closed with stitches, and the area is bandaged. Patients are typically discharged on the same day with post-operative instructions.

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Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation

Recovery from trigger finger surgery is typically quick and involves minimal discomfort.

Immediate Postoperative Care

Pain management is achieved with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. Keeping the hand elevated in the first few days helps reduce swelling.

Rehabilitation

Gentle hand exercises may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to normal function within 4–6 weeks.

Risks and Complications of Trigger Finger Surgery

While trigger finger surgery is considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks:

Infection: At the surgical site, which can usually be managed with antibiotics.
Stiffness or Swelling: Temporary stiffness and swelling in the finger may occur.
Scar Sensitivity: The surgical scar may remain sensitive for a few weeks.
Recurrence: In rare cases, symptoms may return, requiring further treatment.

Your orthopaedic hand surgeon will discuss these risks and provide guidance on minimizing complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from trigger finger surgery?

Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and achieve full recovery in 4–6 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to post-surgical care instructions.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

In most cases, light hand exercises are sufficient to restore mobility. Physical therapy may be recommended for severe cases or prolonged stiffness.

Is trigger finger surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Post-surgical discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with pain relievers.

Can trigger finger come back after surgery?

Recurrence is uncommon, but it can happen in rare cases. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon can help detect and address any recurrence early.

Dr Jacqueline Tan

Senior Consultant Hand Surgeon

MBBS (SG)

MRCS (Edin)

MMed (Surgery)

FAMS (Hand Surgery)

Dr. Jacqueline Tan is a hand surgeon in Singapore with over 18 years of experience in managing hand, wrist, and nerve conditions. Formerly the Head of Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at Singapore General Hospital, she has continued to contribute significantly to her profession.

Director of Micro-Reconstruction Service and the Director of Peripheral Nerve and Paralytic Upper Limb Service
Upon the completion of her training as a hand surgeon in Singapore, Dr Tan was awarded the prestigious Health Manpower Development Plan scholarship by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Completed a one-year advanced fellowship in Taiwan under the tutelage of internationally-acclaimed Hand and Orthopedic Microsurgeon – Professor Yuan-Kun Tu
Dr Tan’s field of expertise is in early and late brachial plexus reconstruction, peripheral nerve disorders, reconstructive microsurgery of the extremities and wrist disorders.

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