Trigger Finger Release

TRIGGER FINGER:

Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovaginitis is common in aging patients and is usually due to wear and tear on the tendons that move the fingers and toes. The tight band that encircles the tendon as it enters the base of the finger can catch on the nodular growth or callus that forms in response to chronic over-activity. Swelling in the tendon sheath due to arthritis or over-exertion can worsen the situation. The patient may experience clicking or actual locking of the finger in time. Release of the band or pulley is the treatment of choice as pain and immobility will worsen usually over time and with continued movement. Having a rest splint made can improve the pain temporarily as can injection of steroid medication. This procedure is done with a local anaesthetic.

There may be some discomfort and oozing from the site. This is normal. Keep the dressing dry and intact until you are instructed to remove it or Physio takes it off one-week post op -Vigorous physical activity (jogging, bending and lifting) should be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks after surgery. Limit exposure to high heat or sun.

Follow up is usually within 7-10 days post op. You should call the office at 204 231 1542 for your appointment time. If Dr Dolynchuk deems Physiotherapy necessary they will contact you after surgery on or around day 5.

SURGICAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS:

All surgery and medical procedures carry some degree of risks and/or complications. It is important that you understand that complications are a part of the post surgical process. The majority of our patients do not experience any complications. However, a small minority may. We do our very best to avoid any complications but if they do occur we do our best to treat them as soon as possible.

Bleeding/Hematoma- it is possible, though unusual to have a bleeding episode after surgery. Should it occur, apply pressure for 3 minutes and go the hospital emergency department. A hematoma appears as a lump and is painful. It has to be drained, go the hospital emergency department.

Infection- Infection in the surgical sites is possible. If there is redness, pain swelling, foul smelling pus/discharge or you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit contact the office. Antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.

Scars- All surgical procedures produce a scar. Scars range from almost an invisible line to a thick ropey one. We cannot predict who will form unsightly scars. Scars initially may be a bright red color and then tend to fade over time.

Change in Skin Sensation- Sometimes an area may experience numbness or tingling. This may be temporary but it can also be permanent.

Delayed Healing- Wound separating or delayed wound healing is possible. It can depend on many factors such as: quality of skin, general health and dressing care. There can be skin loss and further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue.

Smoking- After your surgery it is important not to smoke (minimum 6 weeks) so the tissues heal properly. Smoking has been shown to increase post surgical complications and delay healing.

Pain- There may be some additional discomfort caused by swelling and bandages. We want you to be as comfortable as possible after surgery. Use Tylenol only for pain in the first 24 hours, and then Advil for pain may be used after this.

Allergic Reactions- In rare cases patients may experience local allergies to tape, sutures or topical preparations. Please inform us prior to surgery if you have any allergies (ex. Latex, Aloe Vera, etc.). Patients may also experience allergies from anaesthetics (ex. lidocaine) and topical antibiotics like Polysporin^®.

Unsatisfactory Result- There is a possibility of experiencing an unsatisfactory result. Some patients may not have realistic expectations. On occasion, several surgeries and/or treatments may be required to achieve the desired result that the patient wants. Surgery is not an exact science. Results are affected by a variety of factors such as skin quality, body type and proportions, age, etc. Sometimes you may need secondary surgery. Although good results are expected and we try to achieve them we do not warranty them.