Trigger Finger / Thumb or deQuervains Tenosynovitis
Another common condition is trigger fingers or thumbs. This is where the flexor tendons of the digit thicken and get trapped when passing under the pulley going into the finger or thumb. It causes symptoms of the finger catching in flexion or extension such that it clicks. It can often be associated with pain.
What treatment options are available for trigger finger/thumb?
An ultrasound to assess the triggering or catching of the flexor sheath is appropriate and at the same time a steroid injection may be undertaken. This can give temporary benefit although it is rare to have a long term benefit from this. Surgery is appropriate and involves a small incision to expose the flexor sheath and release one of the pulleys where the tendon is catching. The surgery can be done under a local anaesthetic thus avoiding the risks and cost of a general anaesthetic procedure. It is still undertaken in a hospital for sterility.
Is this surgery successful?
The surgery success rate is close to 100%.
What risks accompany surgery?
The risks associated with surgery include nerve damage which could lead to a numb patch on part of the finger. This is extremely rare but would not cause any other problems. Another risk is infection, which is again rare but if developed may require treated with antibiotics.
Contact us to discuss your trigger finger surgery.
