Orthopaedics – Trigger Finger Release in Adults

Trigger finger release is a procedure used to treat trigger finger, a condition that can cause a finger or thumb to catch, lock or become difficult to straighten. The procedure involves releasing the affected tendon sheath to improve movement of the finger or thumb. There is currently no harmonised Central East ICB clinical policy. Local area policies transferred to Central East ICB are available where these exist.

Clinical policies aim to prevent avoidable harm to patients by only offering treatments on the NHS that are evidence-based, clinically safe and effective, as well as cost effective and a good use of resources.

Information:

Currently there is not a single clinical policy for trigger finger release in adults, that applies to people across the whole Central East area.

Where a legacy Integrated Care Board (ICB) had an agreed clinical policy on trigger finger release in adults, this policy transferred to Central East ICB on 1 April 2026. Previously agreed policies will continue to apply only to people living in that former ICB’s area until any new policy is adopted by NHS Central East ICB.

Where an area doesn’t have a previously agreed policy on trigger finger release in adults, support for patients in that area will be based on a routine commissioning pathway.

Local clinical policy positions for trigger finger release in adults

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Hand surgery_CTS_Trigger finger_Dupuytrens BLMK policy v1.1

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Trigger Finger Policy

Hertfordshire and West Essex

Trigger finger release in adults v1.0 January 2025