Short-term Versus Long-term Outcomes After Open or Percutaneous Release for Trigger Thumb

Abstract

Good outcomes have been reported after both open and percutaneous surgery to release trigger thumb. This study evaluated short-term and long-term outcomes after treatment of trigger thumb with open or percutaneous release. A total of 126 trigger thumbs in 107 patients were reviewed from 2009 to 2012. Short-term (3 months) and long-term results (2 years) and complications of open release (58 digits) and percutaneous release (68 digits) were recorded and compared. Short-term complications included pain occurring in 9 digits (15.5%) in the open release group and in 2 digits (2.9%) in the percutaneous release group and scarring in 4 digits (6.9%) only in the open release group. Long-term complications included pain in 13 digits (19.1%) in the percutaneous release group and in 4 digits (6.9%) in the open release group; in addition, recurrent triggering occurred in 6 digits (8.8%) in the percutaneous release group and in 2 digits (3.4%) in the open release group. Pain and patient satisfaction were significantly better in the percutaneous release group in the short term, but they were better in the open release group in the long term. Although percutaneous release for trigger thumb is a safe and quick procedure, with good short-term outcomes, open release may provide better long-term outcomes. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e131-e135.].

Functional outcome of open surgical A1 pulley release in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

“…[8][9][10] Outcomes following surgical A1 pulley release of trigger finger have been previously discussed, with some studies citing the impact of diabetes on procedure outcomes. [11][12][13][14] However, no study to date has directly compared the functional outcome of trigger finger release in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Thus, in this study, we aimed to compare the functional outcome of surgical A1 pulley release between diabetic and nondiabetic patients to determine whether routine management of trigger finger is appropriate in diabetic patients, or whether they would benefit from a more tailored management approach in order to improve functional outcomes.…”

Percutaneous trigger thumb release: a safe push-pull technique

“…Functional evaluation using questionnaire by Gilbert's et al showed that 26 patients were satisfied and 2 patients were dissatisfied (Figure 10). 5 The mean VAS was 3 (range [2][3][4][5][6]. No patients had numbness or scar.…”

“…Thumb differs from other fingers in such a way that neurovascular bundles are more central making them more prone to injury during percutaneous release. 2 Of the several methods of treating trigger thumb, percutaneous release has recently gained popularity due to its ease, low complications and high patient satisfaction. In this study we aimed to evaluate the safety of percutaneous release of trigger thumb using push-pull technique.…”

A Critical Appraisal of Adult Trigger Finger: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Future Outlook

“…18 Regarding pain and patient satisfaction, percutaneous release groups seem to outperform open release surgery in the short run. 17 One study found that patients undergoing ultrasound guided percutaneous release return to normal activities after 4.1 days compared with 17.8 days for an open approach 40 . Some studies find open release surgery to have superior long-term outcomes, while other studies see no difference in long-term outcomes between percutaneous and open release surgery.…”

“…Some studies find open release surgery to have superior long-term outcomes, while other studies see no difference in long-term outcomes between percutaneous and open release surgery. 17,26…”