Minimal-Invasive, Low-Pain Surgery Under Local Anesthesia with Dr. Spiegl
Modern and gentle treatment of trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)
What is a trigger finger?
The so-called trigger finger – medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis – is a narrowing of the flexor tendon within its tendon sheath, most commonly in the area of the so-called A1 pulley ligament. Due to this constriction, the tendon can no longer glide smoothly when bending and straightening the finger. This results in catching movements, snapping or popping noises, or, in advanced stages, even a complete locking of the finger in a bent position.
Typically, the thumb, middle, or ring finger are affected. Initially, the symptoms appear mainly in the morning and often improve throughout the day – however, they can become increasingly painful and disruptive.
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- Causes and risk factors
- When is surgery recommended?
- Modern surgical treatment of trigger finger
- Process of the surgery, downtime, and aftercare
- Advantages of minimal-invasive surgery with Dr. Spiegl
- Costs, appointment scheduling & consultation
- Dr. Matthias Spiegl – Your specialist for hand surgery
- Frequently asked questions about trigger finger (FAQ)
Causes and risk factors
The cause is usually a thickening of the flexor tendon or a narrowing of the tendon sheath resulting from chronic irritation or overuse.
Risk factors include:
- Repetitive, forceful hand movements (e.g., manual labor, gardening, sports, computer work)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Rheumatic diseases
- Anatomical narrowings or minor injuries
When is surgery recommended?
In the initial stages, conservative therapy (e.g., immobilization, injections, or anti-inflammatory measures) can be attempted.
If these methods prove unsuccessful or if permanent locking occurs, surgical release of the tendon is the safest and most sustainable path to becoming symptom-free.
Modern surgical treatment of trigger finger
Dr. Matthias Spiegl performs trigger finger surgery on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the constricting A1 pulley ligament is precisely divided, allowing the flexor tendon to glide freely again.
In many cases, the procedure can be performed under ultrasound guidance and minimal-invasively – meaning without a large skin incision. This ensures:
- a shorter healing time,
- a lower risk of infection,
- a barely visible scar,
- and a significantly faster recovery of hand function.
Process of the surgery, downtime, and aftercare
Surgery details
- Duration: approx. 20–30 minutes
- Type of procedure: outpatient
- Anesthesia: local infiltration anesthesia (no general anesthesia required)
- Technique: minimal-invasive release of the pulley ligament (open or ultrasound-guided)
Healing phase
After the surgery, the hand is dressed for a short period. Gentle movement of the fingers is encouraged after just a few days to prevent adhesions. The downtime is relatively short, but heavy strain should be avoided for 2–3 weeks.
- Fit for work (desk/office work): after approx. 3–5 days
- Suture removal / wound check: after 10–14 days
- Hand exertion: fully resilient again after about 2–3 weeks
- Final result: after approx. 4–6 weeks
Most patients report a significant relief of symptoms immediately after the operation; the snapping sensation usually disappears instantly.
Advantages of minimal-invasive surgery with Dr. Spiegl
- Outpatient, without general anesthesia
- Local anesthesia – none of the risks associated with general anesthesia
- Minimal-invasive, barely visible scar
- Rapid restoration of finger mobility
- Short downtime
- Gentle, safe procedure using precise techniques
Costs, appointment scheduling & consultation
The costs for trigger finger surgery are **€1,500**.
In a personal consultation, Dr. Spiegl will explain the treatment options, costs, process, and recovery time in detail. The consultation also provides an opportunity to address individual questions and choose the best form of therapy together.
You should definitely bring all available medical reports from your patient history. If you decide to proceed with the surgery with Dr. Spiegl, a date for the operation will be scheduled together.
Dr. Matthias Spiegl – Your specialist for hand surgery
Dr. Spiegl is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery with many years of experience in hand and microsurgery. In addition to his Austrian medical license, he also holds Swiss and British medical licenses. Following his highly specialized international training with residencies in England, Switzerland, and Scotland, he settled in Salzburg and Pixendorf. His specialization includes, among other areas, hand surgery, which he performs conscientiously, to a high standard, and without compromise.
As an additional qualification, Dr. Spiegl completed the European Board Exam in 2018 and is entitled to call himself a “Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery” (FEBOPRAS). This additional qualification is rare, particularly in Austria, and further distinguishes the specialist. Dr. Spiegl is a member of numerous national and international professional societies, which serves as an additional quality feature:
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
- Austrian Society for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Swiss Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
- General Medical Council (United Kingdom)
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Frequently asked questions about trigger finger (FAQ)
How does a trigger finger develop?
Due to a thickening of the flexor tendon or a narrowing of the pulley ligament, the tendon can no longer glide freely and “jumps” over the constricted area when straightening.
Is the surgery painful?
No. The operation is performed under local anesthesia – the procedure is painless, and you can return home immediately afterward.
How quickly will I be fully functional again?
Light activities are possible again after a few days, while physically demanding work can usually be resumed after about two weeks.
Will a visible scar remain?
With the minimal-invasive method, usually only a small, barely visible skin point remains. With the “classic” surgery, the scar is approximately 1.5 cm long.
