Trigger Finger Release Surgery in Melbourne
At Specialist Surgical Group, our experienced Melbourne-based hand surgeons specialise in treating patients with trigger fingers, which affect the smooth gliding of finger tendons.
The procedure works by surgically releasing the constricted tendon sheath through a small incision. We carefully divide the tight fibrous band around the tendon, restoring its ability to glide freely and immediately eliminating the catching sensation.
This outpatient procedure offers rapid recovery times and immediate symptom relief, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
Book Consultation
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, known clinically as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which a finger becomes locked or catches as it bends and straightens. It occurs when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath surrounding the flexor tendon, the cord-like structure that runs along the underside of the finger and controls its bending motion. When the tendon can no longer glide smoothly through the sheath, it catches at the pulley entrance, producing a characteristic snapping or clicking sensation.
In mild cases, the affected finger may feel stiff, particularly in the morning. As the condition progresses, the finger may lock in a bent position, requiring the other hand to straighten it. In severe cases, it can become fixed in a flexed position altogether. Any finger can be affected, though the ring finger and thumb are most commonly involved. The condition is more prevalent in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or those whose work or hobbies involve prolonged gripping motions.
When splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections have not provided lasting relief, or where the finger is locked, and daily function is significantly affected, trigger finger release surgery offers a reliable and minimally invasive solution.
Is surgery needed?
Trigger finger release surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You experience persistent finger stiffness, particularly in the morning, that interferes with daily activities.
- Your finger locks in a bent position and requires manual straightening.
- Conservative treatments such as splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections have not provided adequate relief.
- You are experiencing severe symptoms that significantly impact your work, hobbies, and quality of life.
- You experience pain at the base of the affected finger that worsens with gripping activities.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your symptoms, examine your hand function, review your medical history, and determine if trigger finger release surgery is the most suitable treatment option for your specific condition.
Potential benefits
- Immediate symptom relief. Most patients experience immediate relief from the catching and locking sensation following surgery [1].
- Restored finger mobility. The procedure restores normal, smooth finger movement and eliminates the morning stiffness that commonly affects patients with trigger fingers [2].
- Minimal recovery time. As an outpatient procedure, most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal function within one to two weeks [3].
- High success rates. Clinical studies demonstrate excellent long-term outcomes with very low recurrence rates following surgical release [4].
- Preserved hand strength. The procedure maintains normal grip strength and hand function while eliminating painful symptoms [1].
Potential risks
- Infection at the surgical site. As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of wound infection; however, this risk is infrequent with proper postoperative care [5].
- Temporary finger stiffness. Some patients may experience mild stiffness during the initial healing period, which typically resolves with gentle movement and physiotherapy [3].
- Nerve sensitivity changes. Rarely, patients may experience temporary numbness or altered sensation around the surgical site, which usually improves over time [2].
- Incomplete symptom resolution. In uncommon cases, some catching sensation may persist, particularly in patients with severe or long-standing trigger fingers [4].
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Meet our hand surgeons
Trigger finger release surgery journey
Here’s what you can expect during your trigger finger release surgery. Individual experiences may vary based on your specific condition and healing response.
1. Initial consultation
During your first visit, we conduct a comprehensive examination of your hand and fingers. We assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals.
This consultation helps us determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific condition.
2. Pre-operative preparation
On the day of surgery, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to ensure complete comfort during the procedure.
We prepare the surgical area with sterile techniques and position your hand optimally for surgery. The entire preparation process takes only a few minutes.
3. Surgical procedure
We make a small incision at the base of your affected finger to access the constricted tendon sheath.
Using precise surgical techniques, we carefully divide the A1 pulley to release the trapped tendon. The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
4. Immediate post-operative care
Following surgery, we apply a protective dressing and provide you with specific care instructions. You’ll be able to move your finger immediately, and most patients notice an instant improvement in their symptoms.
We’ll schedule your follow-up appointment before you leave.
5. Early recovery phase
During the first week, you’ll keep the surgical site clean and dry while gradually increasing finger movement.
Light activities are encouraged to prevent stiffness, though heavy lifting should be avoided. Most patients return to desk work within days.
6. Full recovery and follow-up
Complete healing typically occurs within 2-4 weeks, with full strength returning gradually.
We monitor your progress through scheduled follow-up appointments and provide guidance on returning to all normal activities, including sports and heavy manual work.
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Trigger finger release surgery FAQ
The actual surgical procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes. Including preparation and post-operative instructions, your total clinic visit will usually be around 45 minutes to one hour.
Most patients with desk jobs can return to work within 1-2 days. Those with physically demanding jobs may need 1-2 weeks off, depending on their specific work requirements and the progress of their healing.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medications for a few days.
Recurrence rates following trigger finger release surgery are very low, typically less than 5%. When symptoms do return, they’re usually milder than the original condition.
You can typically resume driving once you feel comfortable gripping the steering wheel and operating controls safely, usually within 2-3 days for most patients, depending on which hand was treated.
Most patients don’t require formal physiotherapy, as normal finger movement returns naturally. However, we provide specific exercises to promote healing and may recommend physiotherapy in some instances.
Light exercise can usually resume within a week, while return to full sports activities depends on the specific sport and your healing progress, typically 2-4 weeks post-surgery.
There are no long-term restrictions following successful trigger finger release surgery. You can expect to return to all normal activities with full finger function and strength.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Sato ES, Gomes dos Santos JB, Belloti JC, Albertoni WM, Faloppa F. Treatment of trigger finger: randomised clinical trial comparing the methods of corticosteroid injection, percutaneous release and open surgery. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012;51(1):93–99. https://doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker240
[2] Thorpe AP. Results of surgery for trigger finger. J Hand Surg Br. 1988;13(2):199-201. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-7681(88)90090-9
[3] Patel MR, Bassini L. Trigger fingers and thumb: when to splint, inject, or operate. J Hand Surg Am. 1992;17(1):110-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/0363-5023(92)90124-9
[4] Makkouk AH, Oetgen ME, Swigart CR, Dodds SD. Trigger finger: etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008;1(2):92-96. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-007-9012-1
[5] Anderson B, Kaye S. Treatment of flexor tenosynovitis of the hand (‘trigger finger’) with corticosteroids: a prospective study of the response to local injection. Arch Intern Med. 1991;151(1):153-156. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1991.00400010111023