Cost of Trigger Finger Surgery in Singapore

Are you considering a trigger finger surgery in Singapore but the cost is making you think twice? Well, it’s safe to say that you’re not alone in this matter because surgical costs can be on the high side, especially when it comes to orthopaedic concerns like trigger finger.

Trigger finger surgery is a surgical procedure that is done to relieve the pain and provide relief from the symptoms of a trigger finger, which is a condition where the finger gets stuck in a flexed position. Here’s what you need to know about trigger finger surgery in Singapore.

What is a Trigger Finger?

A trigger finger is a condition in which the end joint of a finger becomes stuck in a flexed position. This can cause pain, catching and locking of the finger, and difficulty straightening it.

The most common cause of trigger fingers is an injury to the tendon that bends your finger, which can be caused by repetitive use or direct trauma to the tendon, causing the tendon sheath surrounding the finger’s flexor tendon to thicken. This can cause it to pinch and swell when it slides over the end of the finger’s bone.

When Does a Trigger Finger Require Surgery?

As trigger finger is a condition whereby the finger becomes stuck in a flexed position, it can make performing daily tasks difficult. If left untreated, the trigger finger can become permanently stuck in one position.

Luckily, the pain and symptoms of a trigger finger can be relieved with non-surgical procedures such as injection therapy or steroid injections to reduce inflammation of the tendon sheath.

However, you may need surgery to release the tendon from its entrapment and restore normal function. And surgery is often recommended as a last resort because of its success rate and quick recovery time.

Before you decide on surgery, your surgeon will consider how much pain you are in, how much your trigger finger affects your daily activities, and how long you have been experiencing the pain.

Are The Results Permanent After Surgery?

Like any other surgical procedure that may have complications, a trigger finger release surgery can also have risks, even though the surgery is considered very safe and straightforward. These risks include:

• Scarring – Depending on the type of surgery recommended, you may or may not have a scar on your hand. For instance, open surgery will require the surgeon to make a small incision on your palm, which means you will have a scar there.

• Infection – Practising proper post-operative care is important, especially when it comes to your limbs. Improper care can lead to infection, which can affect your recovery.

• Pain, stiffness, or reduced ability to move the affected finger – If you have had a trigger finger for a long period of time, the pain and stiffness can still return after surgery. It can also reduce your ability to move the affected finger.

• Nerve damage – This is very unlikely to occur if your surgeon did a good job during the surgery. However, it can happen. Make sure to seek only qualified professionals for your trigger finger surgery.

• Incomplete release whereby the affected finger can move partially but not entirely – Surgery is almost always successful and you will regain normal use of your hand upon recovery, which is why therapy is recommended after the surgery. Otherwise, you may experience an incomplete release of the affected finger.

How Much Does Trigger Finger Surgery Cost?

In Singapore, the cost of trigger finger treatment can range from $1,900 to $4,300 (based on MOH’s surgical fee benchmark). All of this depends on your length of stay, inpatient and outpatient charges, and any equipment used like the splint.

Although you can opt for a trigger finger operation in public hospitals, you may have to wait several months to set the appointments and schedule your surgery. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer a shorter waiting time for setting appointments.

This means you can have the surgery done within the week. Plus, you get personalised and direct consultation with the hand surgeon in Singapore.

How Can I Find the Right Doctor For My Trigger Finger?

Finding the right doctor to treat your trigger finger is crucial for an effective and successful treatment. This is why you should consult a hand surgeon who is experienced in handling conditions related to the hands, fingers, and wrists.

After all, hand surgeons are equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle all grades of trigger fingers. They are trained to provide accurate intra-thecal flexor sheath injections to maximise the possibility of cure and minimise the chance of recurrence.

You can also consult an orthopaedic centre that provides in-house hand occupational therapists who provide hand therapy and speciality splints such as a figure-of-eight splint. It is often used in the treatment of early grade trigger fingers.

Before your trigger finger release surgery, consult your doctor about the treatment options, risk factors, and recovery. That way, you know what to expect from the treatment.

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, everyone should be cared for and healed holistically in comfort without having to travel to different locations to seek medical and surgical help and rehabilitation support.

With a combined facility for collaboration between physicians, physiotherapists, and surgeons, you will experience a seamless service from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, that’s tailored just for you at our clinic.