Trigger Finger Surgery

What is trigger finger surgery?

Trigger finger surgery is performed on patients with trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. It is a condition where you experience pain or stiffness when straightening or bending the finger.

The condition is caused by swelling of the tendon lining in the hand. This lessens the gliding motion of the tendons, causing finger joint pain or a 'catching' feeling when you try to flex your finger. This condition may also cause the finger to become locked or stuck in a bent position.

How it works

Surgery is done to release the tendon from the sheath when it is causing pain or the finger becomes ‘locked’. The surgeon will make a small cut into the palm of the hand and release the tendon from the part of the sheath it was catching on.

You can expect to regain normal use of your hand upon recovery.

Why do you need trigger finger surgery?

Your surgeon will recommend a trigger finger surgery if:

  • All other types of treatment have not worked to treat your condition.
  • Your finger is locked or permanently stuck.
  • You have diabetes. (Using non-surgical options such as steroids in people with diabetes may lead to increased blood sugar levels. Thus, surgically treating trigger finger may be recommended instead.)
  • You have rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Your condition worsens over time and makes you unable to grasp things.
  • Your condition prevents you from performing daily tasks, work and hobbies.

What are the risks and complications of trigger finger surgery?

Trigger finger surgery is a safe procedure, with low risk of complications. However, like any other surgery, it carries a small risk.

Common trigger finger surgery complications include:

  • Bowstringing
  • Incomplete extension
  • Nerve damage

Call your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following after the surgery:

  • Change of colour of your hand or fingers
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fever
  • Heavy bleeding in the area of incision
  • Inability to move fingers
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • Loose stitches
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in your hand or fingers
  • Pain that does not improve after taking pain medicine
  • Pus coming from the area of incision
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Why choose Mount Elizabeth Hospitals?

Mount Elizabeth Hospitals have a reputable 40-year track record in orthopaedic health in Singapore. We provide a wide range of diagnostic and surgical orthopaedic procedures.

Our multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, consultants and therapists work together to deliver good function and mobility for our patients undergoing trigger finger surgery.

Our well-equipped hospital facilities and dedicated nurses ensure that recovering patients get the care and focus they deserve.

Estimated cost

Private healthcare can be affordable. Use our Hospital Bill Estimator to determine the estimated cost of this procedure. If you have hospital insurance, find out how you can use your insurance.

Our hand surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons

At Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, our team of specialists have expertise in treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions.

Our hand surgeons and bone surgeons are skilled in minimally-invasive procedures and work towards restoring our patients undergoing trigger finger surgery back to full mobility.

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