When one or more steroid injections fail to achieve lasting relief of trigger finger, a clearly defined next step is indicated. This protocol covers that subsequent management pathway.
Steroid injection at the base of the affected finger or thumb — with a second injection if the first was insufficient — did not achieve the expected outcome: relief of finger pain and triggering within several weeks. Failure to reach those goals is the trigger for escalation to this protocol.
The protocol involves a brief surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. It targets the structural cause of the catching or locking at the base of the finger. The complete operative details, perioperative instructions, and aftercare plan are in the full protocol.
Normal finger movement, ability to place the hand flat on a table, and ability to make a full tight fist.