There are 2 types of surgeries to correct trigger finger:
- percutaneous trigger finger release surgery
- open trigger finger release surgery
Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release Surgery
In the of the open method of surgery, a local anesthetic is used; however, in place of making an incision in the palm, a needle is inserted into the bottom of the affected finger. The needle is used to cut through the ligament.
This surgery does not include an incision so you will not have a wound or scar. But, the treatment is a bit more dangerous compared to open surgery and may be less useful. Vital arteries and nerves are extremely close to the tendon sheath and can be damaged. This is why open surgery is generally preferred.
Open trigger finger release surgery
In this type of surgery, a local anesthetic injection into the palm of the hand is given. Then, a little incision is made in the palm of the hand along one of the natural creases, which means that the scar will not be visible. The surgeon cuts through the tendon sheath in order to make it wider. The wound will be fastened with stitches and covered with a bandage.
Trigger finger surgery and arthritis
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the previous surgical treatments should be avoided as they may cause your finger to point sideways. In its place, a distinct procedure called tenosynovectomy may be recommended that includes removing part of the tendon sheath to enable the tendon to move once more.
Enam Haque, MD, FACS, of Queen City Plastic Surgery and Queen City Hand Surgery completed a hand surgery fellowship and is experienced in treating patients with a number of hand conditions. If you are considering your treatment options for trigger finger or other hand issues, please contact our office for a consultation. During the physical exam, Dr. Haque will help determine the cause of the issue while listening to your concerns. If surgery is warranted, he will discuss the procedure in detail including anesthesia, surgical techniques, possible risks and complications as well as recovery time and potential outcomes.