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Now Offering In-Office Trigger Finger Release

Orthopedic Specialists Blog Now Offering In-Office Trigger Finger Release
Dr. R. Brian Williams and in-office trigger finger release

Trigger finger is one of the most common hand and wrist conditions. More than 800,000 Americans are diagnosed with stenosing tenosynovitis (its medical name) every year. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of a finger when it is flexed or extended. In the worst cases, the affected finger(s) may "catch" or become locked in a bent position.

Dr. R. Brian Williams of Orthopedic Specialists is the only orthopedic surgeon in the greater Tampa Bay area offering an in-office, ultrasound-guided trigger finger release (TFR) procedure.

“We’re proud to offer this ultrasound-guided trigger finger release right in our office for convenience and faster healing,” says Dr. Williams, a board-certified hand and wrist surgeon with fellowship training in hand and microvascular surgery.

Benefits of In-office Trigger Finger Release

TFR with real-time ultrasound guidance can alleviate the pain and inconvenience of trigger finger and quickly have you back at work or your favorite activities. The most notable benefits are immediate movement of the affected finger(s) and minimal scarring.

Dr. Williams also performs a similar type of in-office carpal tunnel release surgery and is the only orthopedic surgeon working with this particular CTR system in the area.

The two procedures, developed by the same company, work in much the same way. For trigger finger release, Dr. Williams releases the annular pulley of the affected finger(s), allowing the tendon to glide more freely.

Palm Harbor Trigger Finger Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat stenosing tenosynovitis, and Dr. Williams recommends a nonoperative approach whenever possible. “Often, this condition can be treated with NSAIDs, splinting, hand therapy and other conservative methods,” he says.

For select patients, open surgery with a larger incision is a better approach for full visualization. This is typically done in an ambulatory surgery center.

Another option some surgeons use is percutaneous needle release of the trigger finger. Using ultrasound guidance, a surgeon uses a special needle to break up tissue constricting the tendon sheath. Some specialists consider this less precise, and therefore riskier, than either open surgery or in-office, ultrasound-guided trigger finger release.

In-office trigger finger release surgery is not appropriate for the thumb. This digit’s anatomy is different, with a nerve very close to the pulley. Dr. Williams performs this procedure in an ambulatory surgery center.

For the fingers, in-office TFR include a faster return to normal activities, a small incision that can usually be closed without sutures, local anesthesia, and immediate relief from catching and locking symptoms.

To request a consultation to treat your trigger finger, request an appointment with Dr. Williams by calling (727) 496-2391.

 

Author
Marie Eide Marie Eide is the social media and content strategist at Orthopedic Specialists. She has been writing in the healthcare space for 15 years. All content is reviewed by our physicians.

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