Trigger Release

What is trigger release?

Surgical release may be considered if other measures have been exhausted for trigger finger. This is particularly used if you have formed a severe finger deformity.

The procedure is a small operation performed under local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is injected into the hand to make it completely numb. A small incision is made in the palm of the hand, and the pulley trapping the tendon is exposed. The pulley is released allowing the tendon to slide up and down freely. The incision is closed with a dissolving stitch.

Trigger release recovery

A bandage will be applied to keep the wound clean and limit use of the hand for 3 days after the procedure. During this time the hand should be kept elevated above the heart to reduce swelling. The fingers should be regularly mobilised to prevent stiffness. After 3 days the larger dressing can be removed, leaving the sticky dressing in place. If the sticky dressing becomes loose or dirty, this can be replaced with a fresh dressing.

After 2 weeks, the sticky dressing can be removed and you will now be able to get the hand wet. You can also resume normal hand movements. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to all your activities. If the finger is stiff, physiotherapy may be required.

returning to work after trigger release surgery

You can return to sedentary, office based work straight away. If you are a manual worker with heavy lifting duties, you should wait at least 2-3 weeks before returning to work.