Percutaneous release of the trigger finger: an office procedure.

A new technique for percutaneous release of the trigger finger is described. A 21-gauge hypodermic needle is used to release the A1 pulley. The technique is effective, convenient, safe, and well tolerated by patients. Thirty-three of 35 procedures (94%) led to complete relief of symptoms, and in the remaining two digits partial symptomatic relief was achieved. There were no significant complications. After a mean follow-up of 13 months, there had been no recurrences. This technique should be the treatment of choice for the established trigger finger with symptoms of more than 4 months' duration.