Trigger finger surgery

Trigger finger is caused by thickening of the tendon that bends the finger, or of the sheath in which it glides. The tendon catches at the base of the finger: the finger locks in a bent position, then straightens suddenly with a snap, which is often painful, especially in the morning. The thumb, ring and middle fingers are most often affected. In the early stages, a splint or a steroid injection is often enough. When the problem persists or returns, surgery opens the small fibrous pulley that squeezes the tendon at the base of the finger. The tendon can then glide freely. The operation is done through a short incision in the palm at the base of the affected finger. It is quick and performed under local anaesthesia or a nerve block of the arm. The finger can be moved as soon as the operation is over. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, trigger finger surgery is done as a day case. The surgeon shows you the exercises to do at home to keep the finger supple.