What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger Finger is when a finger gets locked in one position as you move it. It can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired). It can cause pain and an unsettling snap when you bend and straighten the finger, and you may feel a nodule at the base of the finger. The nodule catches on a band of tissue called the A1 pulley, causing the triggering.
How It Is Diagnosed
After a thorough examination by your hand surgeon, an ultrasound or MRI of the hand may be needed.
WALANT: Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Dr Vybhav Deraje performs Trigger Finger Release with WALANT — Wide Awake, Local Anaesthesia, No Tourniquet. You stay awake, the hand is numbed with local anaesthetic and no tourniquet is needed, so you remain comfortable throughout.
What the Surgery Involves
You are admitted on the day of surgery. Through a small cut at the base of the affected finger, the A1 pulley is released in about 30 minutes, and you feel the improvement straight away when you move the finger. A splint supports the hand and reduces pain and swelling, and you go home the same evening with painkillers and antibiotics.
Recovery
- Wound check after 1 week; stitches removed after 2 weeks.
- Relief is immediate, though hand physiotherapy may be needed for 3–6 months.
- Normal activities from the next day; jogging, gym and sport after 6 weeks.
Possible Complications
Infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and pain are the common complications. There will be a scar on the hand, which usually settles well with scar treatment. Recurrence is possible but rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the finger stop locking straight away?
Yes. The improvement is felt immediately when you move the finger after the pulley is released.
Can Trigger Finger come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible but rare.
Will I be awake?
Yes. The procedure is done wide awake under local anaesthesia, without a tourniquet.
Related Hand Surgery Procedures
- Carpal Tunnel Release — Day-care WALANT release for numbness and tingling from a compressed nerve.
- Syndactyly Release — Separating fused fingers before age one, with skin grafts.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment depends on clinical assessment.