Evaluating Outcomes of Flexor Tendon Excision During Trigger Finger Release

Area of Science:

• Hand surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Background:

• Trigger finger often requires surgical intervention when non-surgical methods fail.
• A1 pulley release (TFR) is standard, but flexor tendon excision (FTE) may be needed for severe cases.
• This study evaluates the necessity and outcomes of combined TFR and FTE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of flexor tendon excision (FTE) during trigger finger release (TFR).
• To compare outcomes between isolated TFR and TFR with additional FTE.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of TFR with FTE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 8551 patients undergoing TFR.
• Comparison of 121 patients (TFR with FTE) to 243 matched patients (isolated TFR).
• Analysis of demographics, complications, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• 2.5% of TFR patients required additional FTE.
• TFR with FTE group was younger, predominantly male, and most commonly affected the long finger.
• Anesthesia types and preoperative steroid injection rates varied between groups.
• Demographics, complications, and outcomes were comparable between isolated TFR and TFR with FTE.

Conclusions:

• Trigger finger release with flexor tendon excision (TFR with FTE) demonstrates high postoperative improvement rates.
• Outcomes, complication rates, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores are similar between TFR with FTE and isolated TFR.
• TFR with FTE is a safe and effective surgical option for select trigger finger patients with no added risks.