Percutaneous release of trigger finger.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Trigger finger, a common condition affecting the hand's flexor tendons, causes pain and difficulty with finger movement.
• Conservative treatments are often ineffective for moderate to severe trigger finger (grades II and III).
• Percutaneous release offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous release for trigger finger.
• To evaluate the condition of tendons and neurovascular structures post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• 43 cases of trigger finger (middle, ring, or little fingers) unresponsive to conservative treatment were included.
• Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley was performed using an 18-gauge needle.
• Open exploration was conducted post-procedure to examine tendons and neurovascular bundles.

Main Results:

• No neurovascular bundle injuries (nerves or arteries) were observed.
• Superficial flexor tendon lacerations occurred in 6 cases but did not impair function.
• Incomplete A1 pulley release was noted in 3 cases, primarily during the initial study phase.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous release is a safe and effective treatment for trigger finger.
• The procedure demonstrates minimal complications and good functional outcomes.