How is trigger finger surgery performed?

Trigger finger surgery is performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure depends on the type of surgery.

Open Surgery: An incision is made to access tissues at the flexor tendon sheath. The sheath is cut to reach the flexor tendons. The finger is flexed to assess the cause of sticking and how it catches at the A1 pulley. The pulley is cut and released after nearby tissues are pulled away. As the pulley is released, flexor tendons are pulled back and forth to confirm that they are gliding smoothly without facing any obstacle. Once confirmed, the incision is closed and bandage is applied. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Percutaneous Trigger Finger Surgery: This surgical procedure is minimally invasive and performed through the skin without an open incision. Surgeons use a needle as a scalpel. The needle is inserted at the A1 pulley position. It is moved back and forth to cut the ligament. Once the surgery is done, it is taken out and the area is bandaged. The percutaneous trigger finger surgery is usually done under local anesthesia. It does create any incision and there is no need for healing. However, the procedure has its limitations. Its use is restricted to less serious conditions, as it may not be able to cut the more stiffened sheath and successfully release the pulley. The procedure may also cause damage to tendons or nerves.