Surgical Treatment for Trigger Thumb Using a Radial Approach

The anatomy of the thumb flexor pulley system and surrounding structures differs from the fingers. The hand's positioning during trigger thumb release is troublesome. Iatrogenic radial digital nerve injuries of the thumb following opened or percutaneous A1 pulley release have been reported. We present the radial approach using a transverse incision for surgical release of the trigger thumb. This surgical approach aimed to restore a familiar surgical hand position, prevent radial digital nerve injury and bowstringing of the flexor pollicis longus, and decrease postoperative pain to facilitate recovery of hand function.