Trigger finger surgery in London

What treatment involves

Treatment depends on the condition:

• Trigger finger: a steroid injection is often tried first, with or without ultrasound guidance, and can often be given in clinic on the same day. If the finger keeps catching, the tight tunnel around the tendon is released through a small cut in the palm (trigger finger release).

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: a painful swelling of the tendons at the base of the thumb. A splint, hand therapy and a steroid injection, with or without ultrasound guidance, are tried first. If pain continues, the tight tunnel around the tendons is released through a small cut at the side of the wrist.

• Ganglion cyst: the cyst and its root are removed surgically. Draining it with a needle rarely works, because the cyst usually refills quickly.

• Tennis elbow: injections and physiotherapy or hand therapy come first. If pain continues, an operation that releases the tendon and disconnects small pain nerves around the elbow (denervation) may be considered.

Procedures are carried out under regional or local anaesthetic, or general anaesthetic if you prefer, usually as a day case.

Is it right for you?

Treatment may be considered if:

• a finger catches, locks or clicks

• you have pain at the base of the thumb when gripping or turning the wrist

• a lump at the wrist or finger is painful or getting in the way

• elbow pain has not settled with therapy and injections

It is important to have realistic expectations and to make the decision for yourself.

Your consultation

At your consultation Mr Oezdogan will:

• discuss what you would like to change and why

• examine you and explain which options are suitable, including non-surgical alternatives or not having surgery

• explain the benefits, risks, recovery and the possibility of further surgery in the future

• give you written information to take away

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over. You will be given time to reflect before deciding, and a second consultation is offered before surgery is booked.

Risks and recovery

These are discussed in detail at your consultation and in writing. They include:

• bleeding, infection and scar tenderness

• stiffness

• injury to nearby nerves, including numbness on the back of the thumb after De Quervain’s release

• the ganglion returning, or symptoms persisting

• after a steroid injection, temporary pain, a flare-up, or skin thinning or lightening at the injection site

• rarely, complex regional pain syndrome

After surgery, a bulky dressing stays on for 24–72 hours, then a smaller wound dressing. Stitches are removed after 14 days. Most people return to desk work after 1–2 weeks.

You should not drive until the wound has healed and you have full strength and control of your hand, as driving too early can put you and others at risk. It is also worth checking with your car insurer.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and restore movement, but individual results vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Where surgery takes place

Consultations and hand surgery take place at Highgate Hospital (Nuffield Health) and The London Welbeck Hospital. Day-case procedures take place at Chase Lodge Hospital, Mill Hill.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a steroid injection on the day of my consultation?

Often, yes. Mr Oezdogan can usually give it in clinic, or arrange an ultrasound-guided injection through the radiology department.

Is it covered by insurance?

Usually, subject to your policy. Self-pay is also available.

Why not drain a ganglion?

Draining with a needle rarely works, because the cyst usually refills. Surgical removal, including its root, gives a lower chance of it returning.

How do I arrange a consultation?

Send an enquiry through the Contact page.

Is tennis elbow surgery a big operation?

It is more involved than the other procedures here, so it is only considered after injections and therapy have not helped.

Do you treat patients under 18?

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over.

To discuss trigger finger, De Quervain’s, a ganglion or tennis elbow, book a consultation with Mr Oezdogan.

Discuss your options