Trigger finger release is a minor surgical procedure to treat a finger or thumb that catches, clicks, or locks when bent. It involves dividing the tight pulley at the base of the affected finger to allow the tendon to glide freely.
A small incision (1–2 cm) is made in the palm at the base of the affected finger. The A1 pulley — a tight band of tissue through which the tendon passes — is carefully divided. This allows the tendon to move smoothly without catching. The skin is closed with stitches. The procedure takes approximately 10–15 minutes and is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic.
Surgery is recommended when the finger catches, locks, or is painful, and has not responded to non-operative treatment. It is particularly appropriate when the finger becomes locked in a bent position or when symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is often effective and may be tried first. Splinting and anti-inflammatory medication may help mild cases. In patients with diabetes, injections are less effective and surgery may be recommended earlier.
Eat and drink normally. Remove rings from the affected hand. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. Arrange transport home as the hand will be bandaged.
The aim is to eliminate the catching and locking of the finger. Success rates are very high — over 95% of patients experience complete resolution of triggering. The finger can be used for light activities from the day of surgery.
The incision site may be tender for a few weeks. Scar massage helps.
Some stiffness in the finger is normal initially and improves with use.
Expected in the palm for the first week.
Wound infection is uncommon and usually managed with antibiotics.
The digital nerves run close to the pulley. Injury is rare but could cause numbness in the finger.
Very rarely, the tendon may bow during bending if the wrong pulley is released. Careful technique prevents this.
Triggering may recur in a small number of patients.
Performed under local anaesthetic injected into the palm. You will be awake and should not feel pain during the procedure.
Gentle finger movements are encouraged immediately. The dressing is reduced after a few days. Stitches are removed at 10–14 days. Most patients return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Heavy gripping and manual work may take four to six weeks.
Suture removal at 10–14 days. Further follow-up only if needed.
Yes, gentle use is encouraged from the day of surgery. Avoid heavy gripping for a few weeks.
Recurrence is uncommon after surgery. If it occurs, repeat surgery is usually straightforward.
Yes, more than one finger can be released in the same operation if needed.