Tendon Release Surgery Essex

What Is Tendon Release Surgery Essex?

Tendon release surgery Essex is performed for two common conditions in the hand; trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. In both of these conditions, pain is caused by inflammation around the tunnel (tendon sheath) that the tendons pass through.

Trigger Finger Release Essex

Trigger finger Essex is caused by inflammation around a tendon in the palm. The affected finger, or thumb, “catches” as you try to straighten it, and in very severe cases, it can become completely locked. Trigger finger release Essex surgery involves a small incision in the palm under local anaesthetic to release the tunnel around the affected tendon.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Essex

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from inflammation around tendons in the wrist as they run towards the base of the thumb. This causes movements of the thumb and wrist to become painful, for example when gripping objects. It is common in mothers who are constantly picking up and holding their children. Surgery for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves a small incision over the painful area after it has been numbed and the tight tunnel around the affected tendons is released.

What Happens During Tendon Release Surgery Essex?

Tendon release surgery Essex is performed under local anaesthetic. Mr Sierakowski will inject the area to be operated on with a local anaesthetic. This numbs the area and allows him to perform the surgery without you feeling any pain. A tourniquet is used around your upper arm, to prevent blood flowing into your hand. This allows Mr Sierakowski to see all of the structures in your hand.

When you undergo tendon release surgery Essex, Mr Sierakowski will make a small incision in the skin over the affected tendons. The nerves crossing the area are identified and protected. The inflamed tendon sheath is released and Mr Sierakowski checks that the tendons are gliding freely. At the end of the surgery, Mr Sierakowski will close the incision with dissolvable stitches and bandage the area.

Are There Any Risks From Tendon Release Surgery Essex?

As with any surgery, tendon release surgery Essex also comes with a number of risks. These include:

  • Tendon injury, which can result in loss of movement
  • Nerve injury, which can cause numbness or pain
  • Stiffness, which usually improves with physiotherapy
  • Scar tissue, which can prevent the joints from moving and may require surgical release
  • Recurrence of the tendonitis
  • Infection
  • Wound healing problems

What To Expect From Tendon Release Surgery Essex Recovery

Tendon release surgery Essex is performed as a day case procedure. Your hand will be bandaged and placed in a sling after the surgery. This is in order to keep the hand elevated, which reduces swelling and bleeding. As with all forms of plastic surgery Essex, the local anaesthetic usually lasts for about 2 hours, after which you may need painkillers, which will be provided for you when you go home. You will be given an appointment to have your dressings changed by a nurse and also to see a hand therapist in the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. The hand therapist will give you exercises to do, in order to help restore your movement. The stitches used for the surgery are dissolving, so these do not need to be taken out. Recovery after trigger finger release takes about 4 weeks. Recovery after De Quervain’s tenosynovitis release takes a bit longer, sometimes 6 to 8 weeks.

Tendon Release Surgery In Essex

Mr Sierakowski performs tendon release surgery Essex across a number of hospitals, including Wellesley Hospital in Southend and Springfield Hospital in Chelmsford.