Trigger Finger Surgery: Expert Care by Brian Butzen MD - Durango, Colorado Orthopedic Surgeon

When your finger catches and pops like a gun trigger, simple tasks become daily battles. Dr. Brian Butzen MD has been helping patients in Durango overcome trigger finger since 2013. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist conditions, Dr. Butzen brings over a decade of experience to every trigger finger surgery. His patients consistently share stories of returning to activities they love – from playing guitar to knitting blankets for grandchildren. At Animas Orthopedic Associates, Dr. Butzen serves the entire Four Corners region, including Farmington, New Mexico, Cortez, Colorado, and his satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger happens when tendons in your finger or thumb get stuck. Picture a rope trying to slide through a tube that's too narrow. Your finger tendon works the same way, sliding through a tunnel of tissue called a sheath. When this sheath gets thick or swollen, your tendon can't move smoothly.

The result? Your finger gets stuck in a bent position, then suddenly snaps straight. Some people describe it as their finger "locking up" or having a "sticking finger" that won't cooperate.

This condition affects about 2% of people, but becomes more common as we age. Women develop trigger finger more often than men, especially after age 40.

Signs You Might Need Trigger finger Surgery

Not every case of trigger finger needs surgery. Dr. Butzen often starts with non-surgical treatments. But certain signs suggest surgery might be your best option:

Your finger locks completely and won't straighten on its own. This means the tendon is truly stuck, not just catching slightly.

Pain keeps you awake at night or makes daily tasks difficult. One patient from Cortez couldn't button her shirts for work as a teacher.

Other treatments haven't helped after several months. These include splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections.

Multiple fingers are affected. This can make everyday activities like driving or cooking frustrating.

The stiffness affects your work or hobbies. A rancher from outside Durango couldn't grip his tools properly, affecting his livelihood.

How Trigger Finger Surgery Works

Trigger finger surgery is surprisingly straightforward. Dr. Butzen performs this procedure as an outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day.

The surgery takes about 15-20 minutes. You'll receive local anesthesia to numb your hand and fingers. Some patients also choose light sedation to help them relax.

Dr. Butzen makes a small incision in your palm, usually less than half an inch long. He then carefully cuts the tight band of tissue (called the A1 pulley) that's causing your tendon to stick. Think of it like widening that narrow tube so the rope can slide freely again.

Once the tight band is released, your tendon can move normally. Dr. Butzen tests your finger movement during surgery to make sure everything works properly before closing the incision with a few small stitches.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from trigger finger surgery is usually smooth and predictable. Most patients from the Durango area return to light activities within a few days.

First 24-48 Hours: Keep your hand elevated above your heart when possible. This reduces swelling and discomfort. You can use your fingers for light tasks like eating or writing, but avoid gripping or squeezing.

First Week: You'll wear a small bandage over the incision. Dr. Butzen's team will show you how to keep it clean and dry. Most people can return to office work within 2-3 days.

2-3 Weeks: The stitches come out during a quick office visit. By this time, many patients notice their finger moves much more smoothly. A patient from Pagosa Springs recently told Dr. Butzen she could play piano again without her finger catching on the keys.

4-6 Weeks: You can gradually return to heavier activities. This includes lifting, gripping tools, or playing sports. Dr. Butzen provides specific guidelines based on your job and activities.

Most patients achieve full recovery within 6-8 weeks. The success rate for trigger finger surgery is over 95%, with most people experiencing complete relief from their symptoms.

Why Choose Dr. Butzen for Your Trigger Finger Surgery

Experience matters when it comes to hand surgery. Dr. Butzen has performed hundreds of trigger finger surgeries since establishing his practice in Durango. His fellowship training specifically focused on hand and upper extremity conditions, giving him specialized expertise that general orthopedic surgeons may not have.

Patients appreciate Dr. Butzen's approach to care. He takes time to explain the procedure and answer questions. Many families in the Four Corners region have trusted him with multiple members' hand and wrist problems over the years.

The location also matters. Instead of traveling to Denver or Albuquerque for specialized care, residents of Durango, Farmington, Cortez, and Pagosa Springs can receive expert treatment close to home.

Non-Surgical Options We Try First

Before recommending surgery, Dr. Butzen explores other treatments. Many patients improve with these approaches:

Splinting: Wearing a splint at night keeps your finger straight and allows the tendon sheath to rest and heal.

Activity Modification: Sometimes changing how you grip objects or taking frequent breaks can reduce symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: These can reduce swelling in the tendon sheath.

Steroid Injections: A cortisone injection directly into the tendon sheath often provides months of relief. About 60% of patients improve significantly with this treatment alone.

Dr. Butzen believes in trying the least invasive approach first. Surgery becomes the recommendation when these treatments don't provide lasting relief.

Understanding the Risks

Like any surgery, trigger finger surgery carries small risks. Dr. Butzen discusses these thoroughly during your consultation:

Infection: Very rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. Following post-surgery care instructions minimizes this risk.

Nerve Damage: The small nerves in your fingers are carefully protected during surgery, but temporary numbness can occur.

Stiffness: Some patients develop mild stiffness, which improves with gentle exercises and sometimes physical therapy.

Incomplete Relief: Occasionally, symptoms return months or years later, though this happens in less than 5% of cases.

The benefits typically far outweigh these small risks for patients with troublesome trigger finger symptoms.

Life After Trigger Finger Surgery

Patients often describe dramatic improvements in their quality of life after trigger finger surgery. Simple activities become effortless again.

A retired teacher from Durango shared that she could finally turn book pages without her finger catching. A mechanic from Farmington returned to using his tools without pain or locking. A grandmother from Cortez could knit baby blankets for her growing family again.

The improvement usually lasts for life. Once the tight band is cut, it doesn't grow back in the same restrictive way.

Scheduling Your Consultation

If trigger finger is affecting your daily life, don't wait for it to get worse. Dr. Butzen can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best treatment approach.

The consultation includes a thorough examination of your hand and fingers. Dr. Butzen will test your range of motion and discuss your symptoms in detail. He'll explain all treatment options, from conservative approaches to surgery, helping you make an informed decision.

Patients from throughout the Four Corners region find the drive to Durango worthwhile for Dr. Butzen's specialized expertise. For those in Pagosa Springs, appointments are available at the satellite clinic for added convenience.

Common Questions About Trigger Finger Surgery

Will I need physical therapy? Most patients don't need formal physical therapy. Dr. Butzen provides simple exercises you can do at home to maintain flexibility and strength.

Can trigger finger come back after surgery? It's rare. The success rate is over 95%, and most patients have permanent relief.

How soon can I drive? Usually within a few days, once you can comfortably grip the steering wheel without pain.

Will I have a visible scar? The incision is small and typically fades to a thin line over time. Most patients find the scar barely noticeable after a few months.

Taking the Next Step

Living with trigger finger doesn't have to be your normal. Whether your finger occasionally catches or locks up completely, treatment options can restore normal function and eliminate pain.

Dr. Butzen's combination of specialized training, extensive experience, and commitment to the Durango community makes him the natural choice for trigger finger surgery in the Four Corners region. His patients' success stories speak to the life-changing results possible with expert care.

Contact Animas Orthopedic Associates today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward getting your finger – and your life – back to normal.