Spring finger

A small incision is made along the skin lines, at the level of the first tension band. The skin line is opened and any adhesions between the tendons are loosened. Afterwards, the skin is closed with some sutures.

During keyhole surgery, the surgeon opens the tendon sheath through a small incision, eliminating any friction and blockage with the flexor tendon. The tendon may then swell. Sutures are not necessary with this surgery. The minor wound heals completely on its own.

This technique can only be performed on trigger fingers with a clear blockage, without contracture (forced position).

In patients who have severe swelling of the tendons and contracture (fixed position), it is sometimes insufficient to only open the first tension band of the tendon sheath and release the tendons. In these cases, it may be useful to remove half of the superficial tendon (i.e. an ulnar slip resection). For this procedure, the surgeon makes two small incisions that he then closes with a few sutures.

The procedure does not affect your muscle strength. Afterwards, you can perform any movement again.

On the day of your admission, come to the hospital at the appointed hour having fasted and sign in with your identity card via one of the e-kiosks in the atrium (entrance hall).

You get a ticket via the e-kiosk with a tracking number on it that is shown on the digital screens in the waiting area. A staff member will complete your file and you will receive an identity bracelet with your last name, first name and date of birth. After that, your admission will continue through the OR reception lounge.

You will be prepped for surgery in the operating facilities. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic. The anaesthetist will visit you to administer this. Feel free to ask any further questions you may have about the anaesthesia or the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be taken to our pleasant recovery lounge. The nurse will checks your vital parameters while you rest and recover from the surgery. This procedure promotes a quick and smooth discharge, allowing you to leave the hospital easily.

For the first few days after the procedure, keep your hand elevated to prevent your fingers from swelling. Moving your fingers also helps reduce this swelling. You can also ice your fingers for 20-minute periods. Anti-inflammatories help reduce the swelling, but should only be taken on the advice of your attending physician.

A scar on the hand becomes softer after about four months. Be patient. After the wound heals, you can massage the scar to loosen it up. Moisturising creams or a silicone covering (Mepitac tape) may also be useful. Always protect the scar from sun exposure.

A compression bandage or cast may be applied to prevent excessive swelling. If the above advice does not help, you can loosen the elastic bandage or remove the hand bandage. The elastic bandage in an open cast can also be loosened.

The post-operative hand bandage will absorb any potential bleeding. Elevating the hand and applying ice can also help. Anti-inflammatory medication is possible, but it must be taken in consultation with your physician

This complication occurs very rarely, but it occurs more frequently in smokers and diabetics. Contact your physician or the A&E in case of sharply increasing pain, fever (>38.5°C), a festering wound or increasing and spreading redness.

Very rarely, temporary loss of sensation in the fingers may occur due to pressure from the bandage or swelling. Elevate the hand, loosen the elastic bandage and put ice on it. Contact our department if you have any concerns.