What to expect during surgery:

Operative treatment of trigger fingers is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Holt will meet you on the day of surgery and review the plan. Most commonly, trigger finger release is performed in an office based procedure room under local anesthesia, significantly reducing the cost and time to undergo surgery.

Dr. Holt will inject a small amount of local anesthesia in your palm. Next, a small incision approximately one inch in length is made in the palm overlying the area of tenderness. The soft tissue surrounding the tendon that flexes your flinger (called a “sheath” or “pulley”) is exposed and then released to allow for improved range of motion of your finger. In the vast majority of cases, the triggering will resolve immediately. The wound will be closed with stitches and your hand will be placed in a soft dressing. Dr. Holt will recommend that you work on range of motion of the finger after surgery to avoid stiffness.  Patients can generally use their hand for light activities of daily living right after surgery, but may have some swelling, pain and/or stiffness for several weeks or longer.

Pain Control:

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation.  Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling. Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. Most patients tolerate these medications well. Take them food, and make sure to check your allergies and/or other medications and medical issues to ensure it is safe to take them. Most patients do not need narcotic medication after trigger finger release.

Dressing/Bandage:

Keep your dressing on for 5 days. During that period, keep the dressing and incision clean and dry. Use a plastic bag or cover during showers/hygiene. After 5 days, you can remove the dressing and begin normal hygiene. It’s okay to shower and/or wash your hands, but avoid soaking the incision (pools/hot tubs/baths) until your follow up appointment.  You can cover the incision with a small band-aid or other dressing as needed.

Activity:

You may use your hands immediately for light activities of daily living such as feeding yourself, dressing, and using a phone and/or computer. You should avoid lifting/pushing/pulling more than 1 - 2 pounds and/or the use of power tools and highly repetitive activities until your follow up appointment. Additionally, work on the attached finger range of motion exercises multiple times per day.  It is very important to begin moving your fingers right after surgery and keep them moving to avoid stiffness. One of the primary risks of trigger finger surgery is developing post surgical stiffness. Initiating range of motion early and frequently is key to limiting this risk.

Additional Information:

After surgery, you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. Dr. Holt will talk to you about when it is safe to return to work.  Most patients can return to light work (computer/desk work) within a few days, but may take longer to return to more demanding work (labor, construction, etc.).

Follow-Up:

Your follow up appointment is generally 10 – 14 days after your surgery and should be in your discharge packet on the day of surgery.