Anatomic Outcome of Percutaneous Release Among Patients With Trigger Finger
Purpose
To investigate the adequacy and safety of percutaneous trigger finger release on symptomatic patients.
Methods
Two orthopedic non-hand surgeons performed percutaneous A1 pulley release on the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers with the use of a 19-gauge needle in 25 fingers of 24 patients. Open inspection was then performed to determine the extent of release and any injury to the surrounding anatomic structures.
Results
Triggering was eliminated in all fingers. Of the 25 A1 pulleys, 19 were partially released; only 6 were completely released. Noted injury included only superficial abrasions in 15 tendons. None of the patients had injury to the digital artery or nerve.
Conclusions
In the percutaneous release of trigger fingers, complete anatomic release of the A1 pulley is not always adequately achieved, even though clinically patients experience relief of triggering. It is a safe procedure for the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers as long as the recommended technique is observed.
Key words: Anatomic outcome, open trigger finger release, percutaneous trigger finger release
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PII: S0363-5023(10)00656-8
doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.06.006
© 2010 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
