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Trigger thumb in children--results of simple surgical treatment
D A Hudson1, A O Grobbelaar, C E Bloch
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Cape Town.
Insights
Simple surgical release effectively treats pediatric trigger digits, often congenital. This outpatient procedure shows high success rates for trigger thumb and finger in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Congenital Hand Surgery
- Pediatric Hand Conditions
Background:
- Trigger digit (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a common condition affecting children.
- Understanding the onset and effective treatment is crucial for pediatric hand care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of simple surgical release for pediatric trigger digits.
- To investigate the age of onset for trigger thumb and finger in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 53 children (68 digits) treated between 1977-1992.
- Analysis of patient referrals to a congenital hand clinic.
- Data collected on age, affected digits, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mean patient age was 1.9 years; 60 digits involved the thumb, 11 cases were bilateral.
- Symptoms were congenital in 43 children, suggesting a congenital origin.
- 96% success rate with simple surgical release; 2 recurrences linked to inadequate release.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric trigger digit is likely a congenital condition.
- Simple surgical release is a highly effective and safe outpatient treatment.
- Ambulatory surgical release offers a successful resolution for affected children.
Abstract:
The effectiveness of simple surgical release of trigger thumb/finger in children was assessed and the onset of this condition relative to age was investigated in a retrospective study between 1977 and 1992. Referrals to the congenital hand clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, were studied. A total of 53 children (68 digits) with a mean age of 1.9 years were treated during this period (as day cases). The thumb was involved in 60 digits and involvement was bilateral in 11 children. Symptoms had been present since birth in 43 children. In 51 children (96%) the trigger digit was released successfully; the 2 recurrences were due to inadequate surgical release. Trigger digit in children appears to be a congenital condition. Simple surgical release is effective treatment and can be performed on an ambulant basis.
