Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release as an Outpatient Procedure: Our Initial Experience at Jos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Abstract.

Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand disorder. It is a tendinopathy that affects the digital flexor tendon sheath. It can be treated via open and percutaneous surgical methods.

Aim: To report our experience with percutaneous trigger finger release as a clinical procedure and its mid-term outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted on 33 trigger fingers in 30 patients with mechanical symptoms of triggering. Patients were diagnosed, and consent was given. After cleaning, a 21-gauge hypodermic needle was inserted through the skin, confirmed by observing the needle's swing, and the A1 pulley was released.  All patients were reviewed at six weeks and 12 weeks.

Results: We had 33 trigger fingers in 30 patients. There were 27 women and three men, with a mean age of 49 (range, 39 to 67 years). Of the 33 digits treated by this technique, 33(100%) were completely free of triggering (grade 0) at the 6-week follow-up. At 12 weeks, there had been no recurrences.

Discussion: In our study, we found that percutaneous trigger finger release can be conveniently carried out in the office. In 100% of our patients, there was complete relief from their symptoms; this percentage aligns with the best outcomes obtained in other studies. There was no complication after 12 weeks.

Conclusions: Percutaneous surgery is one cost-effective and efficient way to manage trigger fingers in a clinical setting.

Keywords: Percutaneous release, Trigger finger, midterm, outcome, trigger finger