Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
[Percutaneous release of trigger thumb in children: 63 cases]
A Amrani1, M A Dandane, Z F El Alami
1Service d'orthopédie et chirurgie réparatrice, hôpital d'enfants, Rabat, Maroc. amraniabdel@menara.ma
Insights
Percutaneous release of congenital trigger thumb offers a safe and effective treatment for children. This minimally invasive needle procedure successfully resolved triggering in most cases, with minimal recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Context:
- Congenital trigger thumb results from a flexor pollicis longus tendon and sheath conflict.
- Etiology remains unclear, but surgical intervention is standard.
- This study evaluates a minimally invasive technique for pediatric trigger thumb.
Purpose:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous A1 pulley release in treating congenital trigger thumb in children.
- To report outcomes and recurrence rates of this minimally invasive approach.
Summary:
- 52 consecutive patients (63 trigger thumbs) underwent percutaneous release of the A1 pulley using a needle.
- The mean age was 32 months, with a follow-up of 28 months.
- 48 thumbs showed good results; two had recurrence and were treated with open release. No neurovascular deficits were observed.
Impact:
- Percutaneous release is a safe and effective treatment option for congenital trigger thumb in pediatric patients.
- This technique can be performed by hand surgery specialists.
- It offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery with a low recurrence rate.
Introduction:
Congenital trigger thumb is secondary to a conflict between the flexor pollicis longus tendon and its inextensible tendon sheath. Though, the exact aetiology is still unknown, its treatment is usually surgical.
Patients:
The authors present their experience of treating 52 consecutive patients with 63 trigger thumbs, with mean age 32 months, range (12 months to five years). Twenty-nine boys and 23 girls. Right thumb 37 and left thumb 26, 11 patients had have bilateral trigger thumb. Each was exclusively treated by percutaneous release of the A1 pulley using a needle.
Results:
Fifty-two with 50 treated trigger thumbs were available for follow-up. The mean follow-up after this procedure was 28 months (range 12-30 months). Fourty-eight thumbs had a good result without any recurrence of triggering. Two thumbs had recurrent triggering and were subsequently successfully treated by open release. No thumbs demonstrated any neurovascular deficit clinically.
Conclusion:
Percutaneous release of congenital trigger thumb can be performed safely and effectively in children by a surgeon specializing in hand surgery.