Klarinet Archive - Posting 000431.txt from 2002/01

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] "Trigger" Thumb
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2002 10:21:06 -0500

<<<I need some input from anyone who has dealt with a condition called
"trigger finger." Essentially, it involves swelling, stiffness, pain and a
"clicking phenomenon in the affected finger when it flexes or
straightens.>>>

My wife is an organist, and had surgery for "trigger thumb" just one week
ago. Her thumb would periodically lock into a certain position, and she
would have to pop it out of that position using the other hand. She
consulted a specialist in hand problems. She had the surgery a week ago.
The procedure is done in less than ten minutes. Yesterday, she had the
(two) stitches removed, which required less than two minutes. The
expectation is that this will completely take care of the problem. This is
a rather simple surgical procedure, with relatively few possibilities of
complications, although as with any surgery, nothing can be totally
risk-free.

My main advice would be to have this done by someone who knows exactly what
they are doing. There are a number of specialists around the country who
deal only with problems of the hands and wrists, and who are sensitive to
the needs of musicians. In the case of my wife, she selected the Indiana
Hand Center, with offices in Indianapolis and other places in central
Indiana. As I understand it, this center is one of the most innovative in
the world in dealing with many such problems, including carpal tunnel
syndrome. I have no commercial connection with them, but we are very
pleased with our choice.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the possibilities for successful treatment
of this problem.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville
EL2@-----.edu

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