The Condition
Tendons slide in and out of a tube-like lining. Trigger finger is caused by thickening
of the lining of the tendon (or the tendon sheath) which stops the normal smooth
movement of the tendon inside the sheath, as it glides there and back.
The Operation
Thickening of the tendon sheath is treated by a small wound over the site of the
thickening. The tendon lining is divided and this allows plenty of space for the
tendon to glide in. The tendon sheath will re-grow but it will re-grow to a much
larger size and prevent any trapping of the tendon.
The wound is closed with glue or stitches. Local anaesthetic is put in the wound
at the end of the operation. This keeps the finger and wound numb for about 6 –
8 hours, when it wears off there will only be a slight ache. A small dressing is
usually put on and covered with a large bandage.
After the Operation
After surgery, you will be able to move your finger or thumb immediately very freely
and quite normally from the day of the operation.
The large dressing that will be put on at the time of surgery can be removed by
you the day after the operation, but keep on the small dressing that will cover
the wound.
If stitches have been put in during the operation (as opposed to using glue) they will
be removed in the clinic 10-14 days after surgery. If glue has been used,
that will wash off. The results of surgery are very good with about 100% success.
You should not get triggering again in the finger that has been operated on.
Risks of Surgery
- Wound tenderness and sensitivity occurs in less than 2% of operations and usually settles by 6 weeks after the operation.
Occasionally an injection is needed to cure the sensitivity but this is very rare – under 0.5% of all operations.
- The wound may be noticeable – about 1% of all operations
- After any cut, it is possible to get infection – about 1 – 2% of all operations.
- Circulation disturbance (sympathetic dystrophy or regional pain syndrome) can occur in approx 1% of all operations. Prompt
treatment with medication or injection is usually very effective. You will be reviewed regularly after surgery so this or
an other complication, is treated promptly.
References
Green – Textbook of Hand Surgery
Bulstrode – Textbook of Orthopaedic Surgery
Internet sites:
www.mayoclinic.com www.orthogate.com
In the UK patients need to have their General Practitioner's permission for a referral.
This can be done by means of a phone call after you have described your symptoms , your G.P. will then send a referral letter to my secretary and we will contact
you. Please note the majority of Insurance Companies insist on a GP referral before you are seen.
After you have contacted your G.P. a convenient appointment will be made.
I consult at:
- Sarum Road BMI Private Hospital
- Wessex Nuffield Hospital
- London Bridge Hospital
(For surgery locations please click
here)
Any operative treatment would usually be done at Sarum Road Hospital. Emergency treatment can be carried out on any day.
My secretary can be contacted on Tel. 01962 777616. Futher contact details please click
here.
If my secretary is unavailable you will receive a prompt reply to your answerphone message.