Percutaneous Release Procedures: Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel

Trigger digit and carpal tunnel syndrome are both conditions traditionally treated with open surgery but are potentially amenable to curative treatment using percutaneous techniques. The advantages of minimally invasive techniques are lower risk of wound breakdown and infection, quicker healing, reduced postprocedural pain, reduced complications, and a quicker return to normal activity. The advent of high-resolution ultrasound has allowed percutaneous release procedures for these conditions to be developed and performed with a potential for a reduced risk of complications and an increased likelihood of success. This article reviews the literature as well as our institutional experience in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous release for trigger digit and carpal tunnel syndrome.