Trigger Finger Surgery | The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Precise, minimally invasive solutions for trigger finger from New Jersey’s top hand surgeons.

If your finger catches, clicks, or locks when you bend it — especially in the morning or during daily tasks — you may be dealing with trigger finger. While splints or anti-inflammatories can offer short-term relief, they often don’t resolve the issue long-term. What many patients don’t realize is that a quick, outpatient procedure can restore smooth, pain-free motion — sometimes immediately.

At The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, a division of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, our team offers expert treatment for trigger finger using techniques that are fast, effective, and tailored to your hand. Our goal is simple: get you moving again without discomfort.

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Why Choose Trigger Finger Surgery?

Fixes the Root of the Problem - Surgery releases the tight band around the tendon sheath that causes the “catching” or locking sensation.

Quick Procedure, Fast Recovery - Typically completed in under 30 minutes with minimal downtime and a same-day return home.

Trusted for Persistent or Recurrent Cases - If past treatments didn’t work or symptoms have returned, we offer the advanced surgical expertise needed to resolve complex or chronic trigger finger.

Microsurgical Precision - Performed by highly-skilled hand surgeons with deep expertise in tendon and nerve anatomy.

Relief That Lasts - Most patients regain full finger motion — often right away — with low risk of recurrence.

Minimally Invasive, Maximum Function - With a small incision and focused technique, we preserve function and minimize scarring — so your finger not only moves better, it heals better.

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Meet the Team
Ajul Shah, MD, FACS
Hari Iyer, MD, FAAOS
David Tsai, MD
Peter Andrawes, MD
Sidney Rabinowitz, MD, FACS
Mark Yazid, MD

Meet the Team

HUES team smiling in front of desk (1)

Our care is delivered by a team of dedicated hand and nerve specialists with advanced training in microsurgery and complex reconstruction. We don’t take a generalist approach — we live and breathe hand surgery. Known nationally for our skill in delicate tendon and nerve procedures, we bring a patient-first mindset and a focus on precision to every case. From the moment your finger stops moving the way it should, we’re here to help you get it back.

Ajul Shah, MD, FACS

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A double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with national recognition in microsurgery, Dr. Shah brings unmatched skill to tendon and nerve release procedures — including complex cases of trigger finger.

Hari Iyer, MD, FAAOS

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An orthopedic hand specialist with fellowship training, Dr. Iyer focuses on restoring full range of motion through minimally invasive solutions tailored to each patient's needs.

David Tsai, MD

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Fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery, Dr. Tsai blends surgical precision with a strong focus on patient communication and recovery outcomes.

Peter Andrawes, MD

Dr. Peter Andrawes

Known for his meticulous microsurgical work, Dr. Andrawes treats a wide range of hand and finger conditions — always with close attention to tendon and soft tissue dynamics.

Sidney Rabinowitz, MD, FACS

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With decades of experience, Dr. Rabinowitz is a pioneer in hand surgery and a trusted name for patients seeking function-restoring care.

Mark Yazid, MD

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Dr. Mark Yazid is a plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in hand conditions, including trigger finger. He provides comprehensive care using the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve function in patients affected by tendon-related hand disorders.

What Sets Our Team Apart?

We are not general hand doctors — we are microsurgical specialists with advanced training in tendon function and release techniques. That means you benefit from more precise care, fewer complications, and outcomes designed to last. Our surgeons have restored hand mobility for thousands of patients using minimally invasive methods that prioritize both comfort and long-term use.

What to Expect from Treatment

Before Your Procedure

Your provider will confirm the diagnosis of trigger finger through a clinical exam and review of your symptoms. If conservative treatments like splinting or injections haven’t provided lasting relief, your surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure. You'll receive pre-procedure instructions, including medication guidelines and how to prepare for a short outpatient visit.

During Treatment

Trigger finger release is a quick outpatient procedure that typically takes 10–20 minutes. After numbing the area, your surgeon makes a small incision in the palm to release the constricted tendon sheath. This restores smooth movement of the tendon and allows the finger to glide freely again. The procedure is highly targeted and requires only local anesthesia in most cases.

After Treatment

Most patients regain finger motion immediately following surgery and return to light activities within a few days. Your surgeon will provide instructions for wound care and activity modifications. When addressed early, trigger finger release often prevents long-term stiffness and allows for a full, pain-free return to daily tasks.

Insurance & Financing

The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery participates in a wide range of insurance plans, including Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and many others.

Please check with your carrier to confirm coverage. Financing options may be available through third-party healthcare financing institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will trigger finger go away on its own?

Mild cases can improve with rest, splinting, or injections. But moderate to severe cases often require surgical release for full resolution.

What’s the recovery from surgery like?

Most patients regain finger movement immediately and return to normal activity within 1–2 weeks.

Will I need stitches or have a scar?

The incision is small and typically closed with a few sutures. Any scar is minimal and placed discreetly.

Is this a painful procedure?

No. It’s done under local anesthesia, and most patients report only mild soreness afterward.

Can I treat multiple fingers at once?

Yes. If more than one finger is affected, we can often treat them in the same session.

What if I delay treatment?

Waiting too long can lead to permanent stiffness, tendon damage, or inability to fully straighten the finger.

Will the symptoms return after surgery?

Recurrence is rare after surgical release — especially when performed by a fellowship-trained specialist.

Is this covered by insurance?

Yes. Trigger finger surgery is considered medically necessary and is covered by most insurance plans, including Horizon and Cigna.

Don’t Let a Locked Finger Hold You Back

Every day you wait is another day with limited motion and unnecessary pain. Trigger finger is highly treatable — and when treated early, the results are often immediate. Our expert surgeons are ready to help you regain control.

When Your Finger Locks, So Does Your Life.