Treatment of Trigger finger by ultrasound-guided needle release of a1 pulley: A series of 105 cases.

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of A1 pulley release using the needle technique, under ultrasound guidance, in patients with symptomatic trigger finger.

METHODS

All patients with symptomatic trigger finger underwent A1 pulley release using an intramuscular 21 gauge (G) needle. Quinnell grade (I-IV), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QuickDASH) score (0-100) and pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS: 0-10mm) were recorded at inclusion. The primary endpoint was complete resolution of the trigger finger at 6 months.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients totaling 105 treated digits were included. Mean age was 63.3±10.7 years. Prior to treatment, mean VAS pain score was 5.8±2.6mm, and mean QuickDASH score was 44.3±19.1. At 6 months, disappearance of symptoms was achieved in 85 of 91 digits with follow-up (93.4%), and in 85.7% at 12 months. The absolute reduction in VAS pain and QuickDASH scores at 6 months was respectively 4.1±3.1 (P<0.001) and 36.1±20.7 (P<0.001), and 90% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied at 6 months. Long duration of symptoms was significantly associated with persistent trigger finger at 6 months after intervention. Complications were rare and minor. Tenosynovitis occurred in 5.7% of cases, for which a corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath rapidly led to favorable resolution.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of trigger finger by release of the A1 pulley under ultrasound guidance using the needle technique is a mildly invasive technique that yields rapid and effective symptom resolution with good tolerance up to 12 months.