Trigger Finger Surgery will open the tunnel that the flexor tendon passes through in the finger. This will allow the finger to straighten out more easily, without getting caught on the opening of the tunnel.
What is it?
Fingers have tendons called flexor tendons that allow the finger to bend and straighten. These tendons are guided through a passageway called a tendon sheath tunnel. Sometimes, if the flexor tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, it will have a hard time passing through the tunnel. This will cause the finger to get caught on the opening of the tunnel, preventing the finger from straightening. A person might hear or feel a pop as they try to straighten their finger. The inflamed tendon or a narrowing of the tunnel, which can be corrected surgically, could cause this issue.
What should I do to prepare?
Preparing for any surgery can be stressful. It is best to understand and talk with your doctor about what will happen during the surgery and what to expect after it is complete. Having a family member or close friend with you the day of surgery can help alleviate some stress. Scans and preoperative testing will be conducted to determine the best approach to make more room for the flexor tendon to pass through the tunnel. A patient should not eat or drink after the midnight before surgery. Most people can move their fingers and hands immediately after surgery, but a full recovery can take weeks to a couple of months.
What happens during the process?
The surgery is very minimally and does not require general anesthesia. The patient will be given an injection of local anesthetic in the finger and hand to numb the area. A mild sedative might be given if the patient becomes anxious or overly nervous. The surgeon will begin by making a small incision in the palm of the hand, and the tendon sheath tunnel is severed to allow for more space for the flexor tendon to pass through. The tunnel will heal itself over time, but will not be as stiff as it originally was.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Any surgery involving bones, muscles, or tendons will pose a risk for re-injury or injury to another part of the surrounding area. Infections, bleeding, and numbness or tingling are possible with this surgery. Weakness and loss of function are also a possibility with Trigger Finger Surgery. There is also the chance that there will be damage to blood vessels and nerves within the hand and wrist. The surgery might not fully release the tendon sheath, or release it too much. This could require further surgery to correct the issues.
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