Trigger finger surgery - Luna Clinic Wrocław
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Orthopedics · Wrocław

Trigger finger surgery in Wrocław

Trigger finger is a condition in which a flexor tendon catches in a narrowed sheath, so the finger clicks or locks when bent. The operation takes about 15-30 minutes under local anaesthetic: through an incision of about 1 cm the surgeon releases the A1 pulley and frees the tendon. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by orthopaedic surgeon Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.

Procedure time15-30 minutes
Anaesthesialocal

Trigger finger is a condition in which a flexor tendon catches in a narrowed sheath, so the finger clicks or locks when bent. The operation takes about 15-30 minutes under local anaesthetic: through an incision of about 1 cm the surgeon releases the A1 pulley and frees the tendon. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by orthopaedic surgeon Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.

01

What does the procedure involve?

Trigger finger surgery removes the cause of the finger blocking and “catching” during bending, i.e. the narrowing of the tendon sheath. The surgeon incises the sheath, releasing the tendon, so that the finger regains a smooth, painless movement. It is a short procedure with high effectiveness.

The most common indications for the procedure:

A finger that catches during straightening or bending
Pain at the base of the finger intensifying with movement
Stiffness and limitation of finger mobility
Widoczne przeskakiwanie palca lub jego zablokowanie
No improvement after conservative treatment (e.g. steroid injections, physiotherapy)
An active skin infection in the hand area
Advanced systemic diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease)
Blood clotting disorders bez kontroli hematologicznej
Allergy to anaesthetics (wymaga alternatywnego schematu znieczulenia)
Unrealistic expectations of the result
02
Preparation

Preparation for the procedure:

Orthopaedic consultation with Dr Krzysztof Ciechan

In the case of chronic diseases - stabilising the state of health

Stopping blood-thinning medications (e.g. ASA, Acard, Xarelto) for a minimum of 5-7 days (after agreement with the doctor)

The day before the procedure: do not apply creams or ointments to the hands

03
Course of the procedure

Course of the procedure

The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia.

The surgeon makes a small incision (about 1 cm) at the base of the affected finger, cuts the narrowed A1 pulley, which releases the tendon and restores the smoothness of its movement.

The wound is carefully stitched and dressed.

The procedure is performed by Dr Krzysztof Ciechan - an orthopaedics specialist with many years of surgical experience.

04
Recovery

Recovery and post-procedure recommendations:

Gentle movement of the finger is allowed from the day of the operation

The sutures are usually removed after 10 days

Avoid soaking the dressing until the sutures are removed

It is recommended to keep the hand elevated for the first 2-3 days

Pain and swelling gradually decrease - cold compresses can be used

In the case of stiffness or swelling - physiotherapy may be introduced

Full return to hand function usually within 2-3 weeks

Infection of the surgical wound (rarely)

Haematoma or swelling of the hand

Temporary sensory disturbances in the scar area

Scar hypertrophy (in people with a tendency to it)

A slight risk of insufficient release of the tendon or recurrence of symptoms

At Luna Clinic all procedures are performed in the procedure suite with full sterility, which limits the risk of complications

05

Frequently asked questions

What is a trigger finger?

It is a condition in which the thickened flexor tendon becomes stuck in a narrowed sheath - the finger catches or locks when straightening, with pain at its base.

What does trigger finger surgery involve?

Through a small incision in the palm the surgeon cuts the narrowed pulley of the tendon sheath, releasing its glide. The finger immediately regains a smooth movement without catching.

How long does the procedure take?

Only 15-30 minutes, under local anaesthesia. The doctor then tells you when you can go home.

Does trigger finger surgery hurt?

No - local anaesthesia eliminates the pain completely. After the procedure the tenderness of the scar is minor and responds well to basic painkillers.

When can I use my hand after the procedure?

Light activities - eating, writing - are possible right away, with protection of the dressing. Full loading of the hand and lifting are introduced after the wound heals, usually after 2-3 weeks.

When are the sutures removed?

After 10-14 days. Until then the wound should be kept dry; afterwards we recommend gentle scar massages and finger exercises.

Can a trigger finger recur after surgery?

Recurrence after correct release of the pulley is very rare. The operation is a definitive method - unlike steroid injections, after which the symptoms often return.

Can the procedure be performed on several fingers at once?

Yes - if several fingers are catching, they can be released during one procedure. The scope is determined by the surgeon during qualification.

When to operate and when is conservative treatment enough?

With fresh, mild symptoms a steroid injection and an orthosis are tried. Surgery is indicated for recurrences, fixed blocking or a lack of improvement after conservative treatment.

How to prepare for the procedure?

You do not need to fast - the anaesthesia is local. Report blood-thinning medications and chronic diseases; remove jewellery from the operated hand and plan your return without driving.

What are the possible complications of the procedure?

Rare: infection, scar tenderness, temporary finger stiffness, very rarely irritation of the digital nerve. Exercises after the procedure restore full mobility.

How much does trigger finger surgery cost in Wrocław?

Trigger finger surgery starts at PLN 1,500 in our price list.

06
Indications

Indications - is this procedure for you?

The most common reasons patients come for the “Trigger finger surgery” procedure:

  • Pain limiting daily activity, work or sleep.
  • Mobility limitation, instability or “catching” in the joint.
  • Insufficient improvement after conservative treatment and rehabilitation.
07

Contraindications

pregnancy and breastfeeding
active infections (especially in the operated area)
uncompensated chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease
blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant medications (require modification)
smoking - significantly impairs healing (a break is required)
unrealistic expectations of the result
08

Effects - when and for how long?

Effect: usually immediate resolution of the catching. Durability: lasting with adherence to recommendations.

15-30 minutes
Procedure time
local
Anaesthesia
09
Complications

Safety and possible complications

As with any operation, the following are possible - though rare: haematoma, infection, sensory disturbances in the operated area, scar hypertrophy or the need for another procedure.

We minimise the risk at every stage: a sterile procedure suite, an experienced anaesthesiology team, careful qualification and post-operative monitoring. You have the right to know every aspect of the procedure - at the consultation we will discuss them honestly and without haste.

Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD
Performed by

Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD

Specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the locomotor system

A specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the locomotor system with over 13 years of experience in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. A doctor of medical sciences, a graduate of the Wrocław Medical Academy; he also gained practice in hospitals in the United Kingdom, combining modern treatment techniques with an individual approach to the patient.

Orthopedics and traumatology13+ years of experiencePractice in the UK
First step

Take the first step

Book a consultation - an honest conversation about expectations, possibilities and the treatment plan.

Trigger finger surgery: price and consultation

Trigger finger surgery costs from PLN 1,500 at Luna Clinic. The price depends on the number of fingers and includes the procedure, materials and follow-up visits. With mild symptoms, the doctor may first suggest conservative treatment such as a pain-relief injection.

How to book

Call +48 666 850 666 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00) or send the consultation form. All prices: Luna Clinic price list.

Where we are

Consultation and surgery: Luna Clinic, ul. Władysława Syrokomli 46, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland - in the Karłowice area of the Psie Pole district. There is parking for patients by the clinic. Directions and map