Modified Guide-Assisted Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release Using a Custom-Made Kirschner Wire (K-wire): Long-Term...

Background Trigger finger (stenosing flexor tenosynovitis) is a common cause of hand pain and disability. Percutaneous release is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery, but few guide-assisted, low-cost techniques have been described for resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the long-term outcomes, recurrence rate, safety, and patient satisfaction of a modified percutaneous trigger finger release using a custom-made Kirschner wire (K-wire) guide. Methods In this retrospective observational case series, 13 patients (26 trigger digits) treated between May 2016 and May 2026 at the Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic, Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Gaza City, Palestine, were reviewed. All procedures used a 16-18-gauge needle guided by a custom-made K-wire guide under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Outcomes assessed included immediate release, Quinnell grade, range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, recurrence, complications, and patient satisfaction. Results The mean age of patients was 50.5 ± 9.5 years (range 34-65 years); seven patients (53.8%) were male. Immediate release and complete resolution of triggering were achieved in all 26 digits (100%). At final follow-up (range: 3 months to 10 years), all digits demonstrated full range of motion, Quinnell grade 0, and a VAS score of 0. No recurrence, repeat procedure, or conversion to open surgery occurred. Overall patient satisfaction was 100% (11/13 very satisfied, 2/13 satisfied). Conclusions This modified percutaneous release technique using a custom-made K-wire guide demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes, with no recurrence and high patient satisfaction. It may represent a practical, minimally invasive, and resource-efficient outpatient technique for managing trigger finger, particularly in resource-limited settings.