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Anatomic outcome of percutaneous release among patients with trigger finger
Henry Calleja1, Antonio Tanchuling, David Alagar
1Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines. henmd111@yahoo.com
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.