Comparison of the surgical outcomes for trigger finger and trigger thumb: preliminary results.

We reviewed 110 trigger digits, treated surgically, to compare the outcomes of trigger finger and trigger thumb in terms of peri-operative characteristics and complications. The patients with trigger thumb complained mainly of pain on motion, while those with trigger finger complained of triggering or limited range of motion. Trigger fingers had a significantly longer duration before surgery than did trigger thumbs. Trigger fingers took significantly longer for the symptoms to subside. In our series, 64% of trigger fingers had a flexion contracture of the PIP joint more than three weeks after surgery. Our results suggest that the peri-operative characteristics and outcomes differ between trigger finger and thumb, and that the surgical outcome for trigger finger was poorer than that for trigger thumb, partly due to flexion contracture of the PIP joint.     

Surgical treatment of the pediatric trigger finger

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to assess the efficacy of a standardized surgical technique in the treatment of symptomatic trigger fingers in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 18 consecutive patients with 23 trigger fingers treated at our institution between 1996 and 2006. Average age at the time of presentation was 4.5 years (range, 1-12 years). Involved digits included 2 index, 12 long, 3 ring, and 6 small fingers. All patients had surgical treatment consisting of A1 pulley release and resection of a single slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. Average clinical follow-up evaluation was 43 months (range, 3-111 months). RESULTS: In almost half of the cases, triggering was noted to occur at the level of the FDS tendon decussation. In 9 cases, specific tendon pathology was observed, including fusiform thickening, nodular thickening, calcific tendonitis, and cyst formation. Overall, 21 of 23 (91%) fingers demonstrated successful resolution of triggering without recurrence after surgical treatment. One patient had recurrent triggering, which was successfully treated by a second procedure to resect the remaining FDS slip. Another patient was successfully treated with excision of an aberrant muscle belly from the FDS. Both of these patients remained asymptomatic after their revision procedures. No other complications were observed. All patients returned to full activities, and 17 of 18 (94%) patients were satisfied with the results of surgery at most recent follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The pediatric trigger finger may be safely and predictably treated by surgical release of the A1 pulley and resection of a single FDS tendon slip.     

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the fingers and thumb. Results of a prospective trial of steroid injection and splinting

In a prospective study of conservative treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis of the fingers and thumb, 53 fingers and thumbs were injected with 1 cm3 of methylprednisolone and 1 cm3 of 1% lidocaine and immobilized for three weeks. Thirty-eight (72%) of the 53 digits had a successful outcome (mean follow-up period, 25 months). Fifteen (29%) digits in ten patients were only temporarily improved. Treatment was successful in most patients with symptoms and signs of less than four months' duration. Only 41% of the digits causing symptoms for greater than four months had a successful outcome. Patients with multiple-digit involvement did not respond as well (12 satisfactory and ten failed) as those with single-digit involvement (39 satisfactory and two unsatisfactory). The patient with stenosing tenosynovitis in a single digit with less than four months of symptoms responded most favorably to the conservative regimen.     

Efficacy of cortisone injection in treatment of trigger fingers and thumbs

One hundred eight trigger fingers and thumbs in 74 consecutive patients were treated by injections of triamcinalone and followed for an average of 3 1/2 years. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Eighty four percent of trigger fingers and 92% of trigger thumbs were cured with a single injection, and a repeat injection for treatment of recurrent symptoms raised these figures to 91% and 97%, respectively. All injections were done by one physician. There were no complications. We conclude that intrasynovial injection of a steroid compound is the appropriate initial treatment for trigger fingers and thumbs.     

Extension splint for trigger thumb in children

Sixty-two reducible trigger thumbs in 50 children with age from 0 to 4 years (mean, 1 year 11 months) were reviewed to study the effect of splinting. Thirty-one thumbs in 24 children received splinting for a mean of 11.7 weeks. The other 31 thumbs in 26 children were only observed. The results were categorized as cured, improved, or nonimproved. Follow-up was conducted after a mean of 20 months (age, 43 months). Result in the splinted group showed cured in 12 thumbs, improved in 10 thumbs, and nonimproved in 9 thumbs, whereas in the observed group, result showed 4, 3, and 24, respectively. Splinting results in 71% trigger thumbs cured or improved that is better than observation alone. The subsequent surgical release for the nonimproved trigger thumbs after splinting still had excellent results. Because surgical release for trigger thumb is not urgent, we suggest extension splinting to be a treatment option before the elective surgery.     

Trigger finger in children

At the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 239 trigger digits in 176 children were seen and treated surgically over a 10-year period. Trigger fingers accounted for 33 (14%) of these digits in 18 (10%) of the patients. In 8 of 18 patients (44%) the fingers continued to trigger after A-1 pulley release. In children, trigger fingers are different from trigger thumbs. Trigger fingers in children are uncommon and have variable causes, and an A-1 pulley release alone will not always correct the triggering. Additional treatments, such as resection of one or both limbs of the sublimis tendon or an A-3 pulley release, may be required. An awareness of other contributing factors and readiness to explore the entire flexor mechanism should help prevent failure of surgical treatment.     

Congenital trigger digit.

Release of the sheath of the flexor tendon is the accepted solution for the problem of congenital trigger digits in children. A series of 27 patients with 37 trigger digits were observed over a period of 18 years: the average follow-up on these patients was 46.9 months. Thirty-two thumbs, three long fingers, and two ring fingers showed locking and a degree of triggering. Thirty-three digits required surgery. The surgical treatment is simple and effective. The outcome in most cases shows that this is a conservative approach.     

Long-term results of percutaneous and open surgery for trigger fingers and thumbs

Trigger digits can be treated surgically using a percutaneous or an open technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of the percutaneous and open surgery for trigger digits. The long-term results of 266 percutaneously released trigger digits and 70 open released trigger digits were evaluated. Recurrence of triggering occurred in 1% of patients after percutaneous release and 2% of patients after open release. After a mean follow-up period of 2.5 years, 17% of patients still had mild residual pain and 16% still had stiffness of the treated finger after percutaneous surgery. The open surgery group had a follow-up period of 5.5 years. Mild residual pain and stiffness persisted in 8% and 16%, respectively. After percutaneous surgery 3 (1%) patients suffered sensory loss on the radial side of the thumb. Compared to open surgery, percutaneous surgery resulted in significantly less scar formation. Ninety-six percent and 98% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the result after percutaneous and open surgery, respectively. Both percutaneous and open surgery for the treatment of trigger digits have similar excellent long-term results.     

Open versus percutaneous release of the A1-pulley for stenosing tendovaginitis: a prospective randomized trial

A prospective randomized trial for release of the first annular pulley (A-1 pulley) in trigger fingers with a percutaneous technique versus the open surgical technique is presented. Thirty-six patients were randomized to either open (n = 16) or percutaneous (#15 blade; n = 20) release of the A-1 pulley. All patients were evaluated for grip strength, active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and residual pain at 1 and 12 weeks after release. Furthermore, the operation time was assessed, and the costs were calculated. Overall, 100% success in terms of grip strength, active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and residual pain was obtained in both groups. Mean operation time was significantly longer with the open technique. Because of lower costs and quicker procedure with equal functional outcome when compared with open surgery, we recommend the percutaneous technique using a #15 blade for trigger finger release.     

糖尿病患者扳机指的特点及治疗

目的 了解糖尿病人扳机指的发病特点,并对类固醇激素鞘内注射、手术这两种治疗方法的远期疗效予以评价。方法 对63例糖尿病人142个扳机指,并以63例非糖尿病人80个扳机指作为对照组进行回顾性研究。结果 对照组类固醇激素鞘内注射治愈率明显高于糖尿病组,有显著性差异;糖尿病组中非胰岛素依赖型糖尿病(NIDDM)患者局部注射及手术治愈率均高于胰岛素依赖型糖尿病(IDDM)患者,但无显著性差异;对照组手术治愈率高于糖尿病组,无显著性差异。糖尿病组多指受累发生率及弥漫型扳机指发生率均高于对照组,有显著性差异。结论 糖尿病人特别是IDDM病人扳机指比非糖尿病人扳机指治疗难度大,多指受累及需手术缓解症状的可能性大。     

屈指肌腱术后早期活动与康复

目的 探讨屈批肌腱修复术后早期功能锻炼的方法与意义。方法 对116例（286指）无合并骨折的屈指肌腱断裂给予修复,术后3日起开始被动屈曲并以辅以主动伸指练习,幅度循序渐进,4周后开始非辅助性训练,并依次给予音频、超短波及蜡疗等理疗;出院后每周随访1次,继续指导患者功能锻炼。结果 随访97例（249指）,时间6－18个月,采用TAM评定患指功能,优192指（77．1％）,良25指（10．0％）,可15指（6．0％）,差17指（6．8％）。结论 腱周粘连在肌腱修复过程中不可避免,早期活动促进形成非限制性粘连,增加修复腱在腱鞘内滑动度,早期恢复腱强度;早期活动宜从术后第3天开始。     

经皮微创空心L形针刀治疗弹响指

目的探讨经皮微创空心L形针刀治疗弹响指的疗效。方法 2007年9月-2009年9月,采用自行设计的空心L形针刀微创治疗160例(202指)弹响指。男47例,女113例;年龄12～68岁,平均55岁。病程2周～1年。拇指58指,示指20指,中指46指,环指60指,小指18指。根据Quinnell分级标准:Ⅲ级63指,Ⅳ级126指,Ⅴ级13指。术中首先用空心L形针刀自皮下潜行至A1滑车部远端,向远端平行纵向切割后,自针刀空心向腱鞘部注入倍他米松。结果患者手术时间5～19 min,平均8.2 min;无手术相关并发症发生。160例均获随访,随访时间1年～3年6个月,平均1.6年。术后1周36指手术松解处疼痛,口服非甾体类消炎药后缓解。术后1周25指屈伸活动时仍存在扳机样感及顿挫感,1个月后5指恢复正常,20指症状无明显改善;其中10指再次行针刀治疗后症状缓解,余10指经1～3次针刀治疗后无缓解。术后6个月参照Quinnell分级标准评定疗效:获优165指,良27指,差10指,优良率为95.0%。结论经皮微创空心L形针刀治疗弹响指安全有效、易于操作。     

Coincidence or complication? A systematic review of trigger digit after carpal tunnel release

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger digits are among the most common nontraumatic hand disorders treated by plastic surgeons. The onset of trigger digits after carpal tunnel release (CTR) has been inconsistently reported. This systematic review assessed the prevalence of trigger digits development in patients after CTR surgery.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases for papers published between January 1966 and August 2016. Eligible studies contained quantitative data on the incidence of trigger digits after CTR. The primary outcome measure was the onset of trigger digits after CTR. The secondary outcome measure was the prevalence of digital involvement in patients who developed trigger digits after CTR.

Results: A total of 5654 CTR surgeries were performed in the included nine studies, and 483 patients (8.5%) developed trigger digits after CTR. The reported incidence of trigger digits after CTR ranged from 5.2% to 31.7%. The time to development of trigger digits was approximately 6 months postoperatively. In the eight observational studies and in the randomized controlled trial, the thumb and ring finger were reported as the most commonly involved trigger digits, respectively.

Conclusions: The incidence of trigger digits after CTR surgery is not negligible. Thumbs and ring fingers are the most commonly involved digits. This topic should therefore be suitably addressed during preoperative consultations.     

低浓度平阳霉素联合地塞米松硬化治疗唇部浅表静脉畸形

目的:观察低浓度平阳霉素加地塞米松硬化治疗唇部浅表静脉畸形的临床疗效.方法:2007年1月～2011年1月,笔者科室应用低浓度平阳霉素(0.5mg/ml)联合地塞米松(1mg/ml)硬化治疗唇部浅表静脉畸形患者68例,其中男29例,女39例,年龄13～69岁;病变范围最小0.5cm×0.8cm,最大3cm×2.4cm.根据病变情况决定治疗的次数,2次治疗间隔15天.结果:68例患者最少注射2次,最多注射8次,治疗后随访12～32个月,平均随访21个月.患者外观满意,没有复发倾向.根据疗效评价标准,治愈66例,有效2例.结论:低浓度平阳霉素联合地塞米松硬化治疗唇部浅表静脉畸形是一种安全、有效的治疗方法.     

Outcome of open trigger digit release

This study was undertaken to review the outcome of open trigger digit release of 483 digits in 373 consecutive patients over a 1 year period. Parameters were obtained from case records. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. The most commonly affected digits were the ring (42%) and middle (26%) fingers. Based on the classification by Wolfe [Tenosynovitis. In: Green DP (Ed). Operative hand surgery, 5th Edn. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 2005: 2137-2159], Grade II (51%) and III (33%) trigger digits accounted for majority of affected digits. Non-operative treatment was the first line modality for 82% of the patients. Primary surgical release (18% of patients) was performed for patients who had refractory conditions, grade IV triggering and those who requested this treatment. The overall complication rate was 1%. These included superficial wound dehiscence, extension lag and postoperative residual stiffness. There were no recurrences of triggering. Steroid injection is recommended as the first line treatment. Surgical release is recommended for refractory and severe triggering.     

Surgical treatment of adult trigger finger under local anaesthetic: the method of choice?

A prospective trial releasing 25 adult trigger fingers under a local anesthetic (5 ml 1% lignocaine with 1500 units hyalase) and a tourniquet was undertaken. All patients had excellent results and there was no complication. The adequacy of the release could be checked on the table by asking the patient to make a first actively, and any further measures necessary were carried out at the same time. It is recommended that the release of trigger fingers be carried out by this technique to minimize failures, as coexisting pathology causing two-level triggering can be identified and treated at the same time. The potential of complications is far less than with a general anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic.     

The Efficacy of Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Trigger Finger

Background

Trigger finger is one of the most common reasons for referral to a hand specialist clinic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of steroid injections for treating trigger digits.

Methods

Ninety digits were investigated with at least a year follow up. The study mainly focused on the efficacy of the injections, as well as co-morbidities, presence of a nodule, actual digit injected and the severity at presentation using Green''s classification.

Results

The study found that 66% of trigger digits were effectively treated using steroid injections. There was a difference between the efficacy of the injection in the different digits, with a statistical significance between the thumb and the fingers. The results also showed that there was no statistical relationship between the severity of the condition, the presence of a nodule or co-morbidities and the efficacy of the steroid injections.

Conclusions

The study found that steroid injections are an effective first-line intervention for the treatment of trigger digit. It also found an increased efficacy for treating the thumb compared to other digits. Both the severity of the condition at presentation and the presence of a nodule had no significant impact on the efficacy of the injections.     

Prospective randomized trial of open versus percutaneous surgery for trigger digits.

Various methods for the treatment of trigger digits exist. This study was designed to compare the results of an open surgical technique with those of a percutaneous surgical technique for the treatment of trigger digits. Ninety-six patients with 100 trigger digits were randomized to either open (n = 46) or percutaneous (n = 54) surgical release of the first annular pulley. Operation time, duration of postoperative pain, recovery of motor function, and surgical complications were assessed. Trigger digits were successfully treated in 98% of the cases using the open surgical technique and in 100% of the cases using the percutaneous technique. Mean operation time was significantly longer using the open technique. Mean duration of postoperative pain and time to recovery of motor function were significantly shorter for patients treated with the percutaneous method. No serious complications were observed in either group. We conclude that percutaneous correction of trigger digits is a quicker procedure, is less painful, and shows significantly better results in rehabilitation than open surgery.     

Results following surgery for recurrent Dupuytren's disease

This study was designed to assess the subjective and objective results following surgery for recurrent Dupuytren's disease. Nineteen patients (28 fingers) were treated surgically for recurrent contracture and were located for follow-up analysis at a median of 4 years (range, 1-15 years). Seventeen of 28 recurrences involved the small finger and 16 patients had at least one component of Dupuytren's diathesis. For the purpose of analysis the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (total active range of motion [TAM] < 150 degrees ) consisted of 7 digits treated with limited fasciectomy and interphalangeal arthrodesis, group B (TAM >/= 150 degrees ) consisted of 8 digits treated with dermatofasciectomy and full-thickness skin graft, and group C (TAM >/= 150 degrees ) consisted of 13 digits treated with fasciectomy and local flaps. Total active range of motion reflecting the preoperative, immediately postoperative, and final follow-up values revealed that group C (fasciectomy and local flap) was the only group to maintain a statistically significant TAM improvement from preoperative (205 degrees ) to final follow-up (230 degrees ) analysis. Dermatofasciectomy and full-thickness skin grafting did not prevent recurrent contracture (preoperative TAM = 175 degrees; final follow-up TAM = 150 degrees ). Thirteen patients had abnormal Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing and 8 had abnormal 2-point discrimination. There were 3 anesthetic digits. Despite these findings, 18 of the 19 patients were unconditionally satisfied with their experience and would undergo the procedure again.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the fingers using homodigital V-Y flap]

A series of 54 patients is presented in which full-thickness soft-tissue defects on 57 digits were reconstructed using homodigital V-Y flaps. This is a modification of the Moberg procedure, which was designed for coverage of injuries of distal thumb. The V-Y flap is pedicled on two digital neurovascular bundles, possible advancement is up to 2 cm, and V-shaped base of the flap allows direct closure of the proximal defect, without skin grafting. This technique was used for the reconstruction both volar and dorsal tissue defects of the fingers. All flaps healed within 2-4 weeks. 14 patients (15 fingers) were evaluated after they recovered. In all affected fingers active range of motion was satisfactory, only with slight defect of extension in 2 cases. However, sensation of the light touch was decreased in 10 fingers, and 2PD discrimination was abnormal in 5 fingers. The versatility of V-Y technique in various clinical occasions and its low risk of complications was emphasized. This method is very useful, easy to learn even for trainees unfamiliar with microsurgery.