Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath that your finger glides through becomes inflamed and thickened, causing your finger to lock or catch during motion.
Our ultrasound-guided trigger finger release is a minimally invasive technique performed in the office under local anesthesia. Using real-time ultrasound, your surgeon locates the A1 pulley and inserts a specialized instrument through a very small incision to divide the thickened pulley. This relieves the mechanical catching and restores smooth motion while preserving surrounding structures.
Because the incision is tiny and the procedure is guided by ultrasound, there is minimal scarring, no need for stitches in most cases, and pain is usually managed with over-the-counter medication. Patients typically return to daily activities within about three days, and many experience immediate relief with full finger movement.
When splints, medications or injections no longer relieve trigger finger symptoms, ultrasound-guided release offers a safe, effective alternative to open surgery. Because the procedure is guided by real-time imaging, the surgeon can precisely cut the pulley without damaging nerves or other tissues. The small incision and local anesthesia mean minimal pain, no stitches in most cases and rapid recovery—most patients return to daily activities in about three days.
This procedure treats stenosing tenosynovitis (“trigger finger”), a condition caused by inflammation or thickening of the tendon sheath that makes a finger catch or lock when you bend it. Releasing the A1 pulley restores smooth motion and relieves symptoms such as pain, stiffness, clicking, or a finger that gets stuck.
You’ll receive local anesthetic to numb the area. Using an ultrasound probe, the surgeon identifies the flexor tendon and A1 pulley in your finger. A very small incision is made at the base of your finger, and a specialized instrument is inserted and guided under ultrasound to divide the pulley. Ultrasound confirms complete release before the device is removed. The incision is covered with a bandage—sutures are rarely needed. You can move your finger right away and return to most activities within a few days.
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, ultrasound-guided trigger finger release is performed in our office, allowing you to avoid a hospital visit. Our hand specialists use state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment to precisely release the pulley, and your evaluation, procedure and follow-up all occur in one location. On-site care ensures convenience, faster scheduling and direct communication with your surgeon about your recovery.