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扳机指松解术

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Trigger finger release — understanding the condition, conservative treatments, and surgical options for a stuck or clicking finger.

Updated Aug 2026
手部屈肌腱示意图，显示在指基部有一个小结节卡在腱鞘滑轮下方。
扳机指松解术：通过在手指基部做一个小切口，外科医生切断A1滑车（肿胀肌腱卡住的紧绷带）。切断后，肌腱可再次自由滑动。 Kieran Hirpara 4.0

本页面由机器翻译，尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

为何建议进行此手术

本页面反映了罗克汉普顿 Mater 私人医院上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 博士在门诊中对此类手术的处理方式。当类固醇注射或物理治疗未能带来足够改善时，我们建议进行扳机指松解术。该手术通过一个小切口松解肌腱周围紧绷的腱鞘，从而使您的手指恢复自由活动。

我们为持续出现手指卡锁或疼痛的患者提供此手术。约 97% 的患者在术后治疗后可完全缓解。主要益处在于恢复手部平滑活动并减轻疼痛。

手术前

您必须在手术前禁食六小时。您的外科医生会告知您如何停用抗凝药或糖尿病药物。请安排专人驾车送您回家，因为术后您不能立即驾驶。穿着宽松、舒适的衣物，以便轻松暴露您的手臂。您可能需要接受麻醉评估或血液检查，以确保您适合接受手术。这些检查有助于您的外科医生根据您的具体健康状况制定最佳治疗方案。请在就诊时携带所有当前服用的药物及过敏史清单。这有助于我们避免与您术中使用的局部麻醉药发生任何相互作用。

手术当天

您将到达我们的诊所，并与我们的团队办理报到手续。您将会见麻醉医生，讨论您的舒适度和安全性。该手术可在局部麻醉（仅对手术区域进行注射以使其麻木，您保持清醒）或全身麻醉（完全入睡）下进行。大多数人选择局部麻醉——恢复更快，您可以在术后不久回家。如果您更倾向于入睡，这也是一个合理的选择——请与您的外科医生和麻醉医生讨论。

Hirpara 医生采用开放入路，在手术部位做一个常规的单一切口进行该手术。这可以清晰地暴露受累的腱鞘。手术完成后，您将在我们的复苏区休息，直到麻木感消退。通常您可以在当天离开，手指上仅覆盖简单的敷料。

手术过程

您的外科医生通常在手掌侧或拇指侧做一个切口，长度约为 2 厘米。具体位置取决于受累的手指。对于大多数手指，切口位于主掌纹下方。对于食指，切口位于上掌纹下方。对于拇指，切口位于主关节褶皱附近。

在内部，您的外科医生仔细切开压迫您肌腱的致密组织隧道（A1 滑车）。这解除了锁定，使您的手指能够再次自由活动。在某些情况下，例如类风湿关节炎，您的外科医生可能会切除附近肌腱的一小束，以保护手指的对位。在手术过程中，您的外科医生会通过来回活动您的手指来检查扳机指是否消失。如果其他手指也存在扳机指，可以同时进行治疗。

切口用缝线闭合。您会佩戴加压敷料，48 小时后拆除。您的缝线将在 10 至 14 天后拆除。一旦感觉舒适，建议您尽早正常使用手指。

术后

您将在复苏室苏醒。由于这是日间手术，您将在当天回家。前24小时内需有人陪伴。您的主刀医生采用开放式腱鞘切开术治疗扳机指，在手术部位做一个常规切口。我们通过简单的药物管理您的疼痛。您的手上会敷有敷料，可能还会佩戴夹板。保持敷料清洁干燥。大多数患者在伤口舒适且无需保护患手即可握住方向盘后，于1至2周内恢复驾驶。如果使用了夹板，在拆除夹板前请勿驾驶。了解更多关于上肢手术后的驾驶。

恢复

在最初几天，您可能会经历一些肿胀和疼痛。这是正常现象。我们通过休息和抬高患肢来处理。您的外科医生可能会建议局部止痛，以帮助您舒适地活动。大多数人发现，使用简单的非处方止痛药即可有效控制不适。您应按照指示保持该区域清洁干燥。

日常活动对愈合至关重要。我们鼓励进行轻柔的手指屈伸练习，以防止僵硬。术后手部康复治疗由 Extend Rehabilitation 的 Ruby Doolan 负责。她将指导您进行特定的动作，以恢复全部功能。在您的外科医生允许之前，请避免用力握持或提举重物。在舒适允许的情况下，您通常可以恢复轻度的家务活动。

当伤口感觉舒适，且您能够无痛地握住方向盘时，即可驾驶。如果使用夹板，请等到夹板拆除后再驾驶。交叉链接至 上肢手术后的驾驶。您的恢复时间可能有所不同；您的外科医生和物理治疗师将为您提供指导。

可能出现的并发症

大多数患者恢复良好，但偶尔也会出现一些问题。您的外科医生和医疗团队会密切监测您的情况，以便尽早发现任何问题。

感染 您可能会注意到切口周围出现加重的红肿或发热。深部感染虽罕见但很严重。如果您在过去一个月内手指接受过皮质类固醇注射，您的风险会略微增加。请留意是否有脓液或发热。如果怀疑发生感染，请立即联系诊所。

神经损伤 为手指提供感觉的神经靠近手术部位，尤其是在拇指和食指。您可能会感到麻木、刺痛或尖锐的电击感。这通常是暂时的，但可能会持续更长时间。请将任何持续的感觉变化报告给您的外科医生。

伤口和瘢痕问题 切口上方的皮肤可能会轻微裂开（伤口裂开）。您还可能会经历压痛或出现增厚、凸起的瘢痕。这些属于轻微并发症，但可能会引起不适。保持该区域清洁干燥。在随访就诊时，请提及任何伤口相关问题。

僵硬和活动度降低 您可能会发现难以完全弯曲或伸直手指。这种活动度丧失通常与肿胀或瘢痕组织有关。按照医疗团队的建议进行轻柔活动有助于预防这种情况。如果僵硬持续存在，请与您的外科医生讨论物理治疗选项。

持续性或复发性扳机指 有时手术后肌腱仍然会出现卡顿或锁定。这可能是由于松解不彻底或瘢痕组织在肌腱上形成结节所致。您在活动手指时可能会感到“咔哒”声或弹响。这通常会随时间自行缓解，但如果未见改善，您应告知您的外科医生。

关节对线改变 如果您患有类风湿关节炎，手指滑车（pulley）的松解有时会导致掌指关节的对线恶化。您可能会注意到手指向其他手指偏移。这是该特定情况已知的风险。您的外科医生会在术前对此进行评估。

需要进一步治疗 日后在同一手指或不同手指接受再次注射或第二次手术是很常见的。这并不意味着第一次手术失败，而是表明基础疾病可能正在进展。请与您的医疗团队保持联系，以便进行持续管理。

如需具体数据，请参阅本页底部的并发症表格，其中列出了典型的发生率。

何时联系我们

如果您出现发热、伤口红肿加重或渗出，或突发剧烈疼痛，请立即联系我们。若发现小腿肿胀、呼吸困难、感觉丧失或手部无法活动，请立即前往急诊。这些症状需要紧急评估。我们希望确保您的康复进程顺利。如出现上述任何症状，请及时联系我们的诊所。

Reviewed by AI synthesis (v2) — pending human review · 18 May 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Local anesthetic infiltration in the palm proximal to the incision site is preferred for trigger finger release [5].
  • A pneumatic arm tourniquet may be helpful, although a high forearm Esmarch wrap is usually sufficient [5].
  • A transverse incision about 2 cm long is made several millimeters distal to the distal palmar crease for middle, ring, and small trigger finger releases [5].
  • A transverse incision about 2 cm long is made several millimeters distal to the proximal palmar crease for index trigger finger releases [5].
  • Trigger thumb releases can be performed through incisions either distal or proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint flexion crease [5].
  • Alternative incisions for fingers can be made obliquely or longitudinally between the metacarpophalangeal and distal palmar creases [5].
  • Alternative incisions for the thumb can be made obliquely across the thumb metacarpophalangeal flexion crease [5].
  • Digital nerves on the thumb are more palmar and closer to the flexor sheath than might be anticipated [5].
  • The thumb radial digital nerve is especially vulnerable during trigger finger release [5].
  • Subcutaneous tissues are spread away from the underlying annular pulley system to ensure digital nerves are safely protected [5].
  • Trigger thumbs require release of only the A1 pulley [5].
  • Trigger digits require division of the A1 and A0, or proximal palmar pulley [5].
  • Pulley division is usually accomplished with an initial opening of the pulley with a No. 15 knife blade and a pair of tenotomy scissors [5].
  • For trigger thumb release, cutting too far distally should be avoided to prevent disruption of the oblique pulley [5].
  • The sheath is incised from proximal to distal approximately 1 cm during trigger finger release [5].
  • The patient should be asked to actively flex and extend the digit after sheath incision to reassess for triggering [5].
  • Persistent triggering implies that either the A1 and palmar pulleys are incompletely released or an alternate site of triggering is present [5].
  • When the distal A1 pulley edge is released, the divided pulley leaves are parallel rather than ending in a V-shaped pattern [5].
  • The patient should be encouraged to actively flex and extend the digit after the tendon sheath has been released to ensure the release is complete [5].
  • Other fingers can be found to trigger at the same surgical setting and can be managed at the same time [5].
  • The skin is closed and a small, dry compression dressing is applied after trigger finger release [5].
  • The compression dressing is removed after 48 hours postoperatively [5].
  • Sutures are removed at 10 to 14 days postoperatively [5].
  • Normal use of the finger or thumb is encouraged postoperatively [5].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) involves mechanical impingement of the flexor tendons at the A1 pulley [9].
  • The pathologic examination of affected pulleys demonstrates a proliferation of chondrocytes and increased type III collagen [9].
  • The flexor digitorum profundus tendon often demonstrates a pathologic nodule, while the flexor digitorum superficialis is often unaffected [9].
  • Trigger finger occurs in 2% to 3% of the general population [9].
  • Women are more commonly affected than men [9].
  • The digits are affected in the following order of decreasing prevalence: thumb, ring, long, little, and index [9].
  • Middle and ring finger involvement is most common in adults [1, 2].
  • Trigger finger is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus than in nondiabetic patients [4].
  • When multiple digits are involved, the possibility of diabetes should be considered [4].
  • Trigger finger is associated with systemic diseases including diabetes mellitus (10% to 20% lifetime incidence), hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic tenosynovitis [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with gout, where monosodium urate precipitation elicits a fulminant inflammatory reaction in the tenosynovium [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with calcific tendinitis, where calcium salt deposition in the tenosynovium can resemble an infection [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with pseudogout, where calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition is often localized to the triangular fibrocartilage or within the carpal tunnel [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with amyloidosis, characterized by the deposition of beta-2-microglobulin in thick, plaque-like accumulations along the flexor tendons [9].
  • Amyloidosis-associated trigger finger is most commonly seen in patients with renal failure undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with inflammatory arthropathy [1, 2].
  • Trigger finger may be associated with repetitive grasping activities [1, 2].
  • Fibrocartilaginous metaplasia occurs in the pulley and/or flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon [1, 2].
  • A palpable lump or knot in the palm may represent a thickened area in the first annular pulley or a nodule/fusiform swelling of the flexor tendon just distal to it [7].
  • The tendon nodule is usually just proximal to the anulus at the metacarpophalangeal joint level [7].
  • In rheumatoid patients, a nodule distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint level may cause triggering [7].
  • Triggering is often more pronounced in the morning than later in the day [4].
  • Triggering may result from catching of the tendon on the palmar aponeurosis transverse fibers [7].
  • A partially lacerated flexor tendon at the level of the A1 pulley may heal with a nodule sufficiently large to cause triggering [7].
  • In adults, trigger thumb is a distinctly separate entity from congenital trigger thumb [7].
  • Stenosing tenosynovitis in adults is usually seen in individuals older than 45 years of age [7].
  • When associated with a collagen disease, several fingers may be involved, most often the long and ring fingers [7].
  • Trigger finger is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus [9].
  • Trigger finger is associated with Dupuytren's disease, with a high percentage of concurrent cases in the middle and ring finger [11].
  • The percentage of patients suffering from both trigger finger and Dupuytren's disease increases with age [11].
  • In Stage I Dupuytren's disease, thickening of the pulley wall leads to narrowing of the A1 pulley and synovial congestion [12].
  • In more progressed stages of Dupuytren's contracture (Stages II or III), concomitant trigger finger is rarely seen [12].
  • The absence of trigger finger in advanced Dupuytren's contracture may be explained by reduced range of motion reducing mechanical irritation at the A1 pulley [12].
  • The absence of trigger finger in advanced Dupuytren's contracture may be explained by the tendon becoming slightly thinner distal to the chiasm of the deep and superficial flexor tendon [12].
  • A variable annular pulley (fourth pulley) is found in 75% of patients and may contribute to stenosis [1, 2].
  • Trigger finger is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in 40% to 60% of patients [1, 2].
  • Congenital trigger digit involves narrowing and thickening of the sheath, with occasional formation of a ganglion cyst [10].
  • An intratendinous nodule may be present proximal to the first annular pulley, often referred to as Notta's nodule [10].
  • Chronic inflammation is frequent in congenital trigger digits [10].
  • Congenital trigger digit occurs far more commonly in the thumb [10].
  • Congenital trigger digit is bilateral in about 25% of patients [10].
  • Congenital trigger digit has been associated with trisomy 13 [10].
  • Congenital trigger digit has been associated with mucopolysaccharidosis [10].
  • Spontaneous resolution occurs in about 30% of children in whom congenital trigger digit appears within the first year of life [10].
  • Spontaneous resolution occurs in about 12% of children in whom congenital trigger digit appears between 6 months and 2 years of age [10].
  • Baek et al. noted spontaneous resolution in 63% of congenital trigger digits over a median of 48 months [10].
  • Trigger finger is not often associated with a fixed flexion deformity in children, unlike congenital trigger thumb [10].
  • Trigger finger in children may not respond to a simple A-pulley release [10].
  • Surgical intervention for pediatric trigger finger may require excision of one or both slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and release of the A3 pulley [10].
  • Triggering in adults is often caused by catching of the tendon on the palmar aponeurosis transverse fibers [7].
  • Intraarticular disorders such as loose bodies, degenerative joint disease, and fractures can cause symptoms similar to trigger finger [7].
  • Common extensor tendon subluxation can cause symptoms similar to trigger finger [7].
  • A volar retinacular ganglion cyst may be present between the A1 and A2 pulleys [9].
  • Fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint may be present in trigger finger [9].
  • Patients frequently state that the problem is in the proximal interphalangeal joint with trigger finger or in the proximal interphalangeal joint with trigger thumb [7].
  • Pressure accentuates the apparent snapping or triggering of the more distal joints [7].
  • Local tenderness may be present but is not a prominent complaint in trigger finger [7].

Classification

  • Trigger finger demographics include women older than 50 years of age [1].
  • The middle and ring fingers are the most commonly involved digits in adults with trigger finger [1].
  • Trigger finger is associated with diabetes as a comorbidity [1].
  • Trigger finger is associated with inflammatory arthropathy as a comorbidity [1].
  • Repetitive grasping activities are possibly associated with the etiology of trigger finger [1].
  • Histology of trigger finger shows fibrocartilaginous metaplasia in the pulley and/or flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon [1].
  • Presentation of trigger finger includes pain and tenderness in the distal palm [1].
  • Trigger finger presentation progresses from pain to mechanical catching and locking [1].
  • Trigger finger may become fixed in advanced presentation [1].
  • Referred pain at the dorsal metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) area is a common complaint in trigger finger [1].
  • Concomitant trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs in 40% to 60% of patients [1].
  • A fourth pulley, described as a variable annular pulley, is found in 75% of patients with thumb trigger finger [1].
  • The presence of a fourth pulley in the thumb may contribute to stenosis [1].
  • Grade I trigger finger is defined as pain and tenderness at the A1 pulley [1].
  • Grade II trigger finger is defined as catching of the finger [1].
  • Grade III trigger finger is defined as locking of the finger that is passively correctable [1].
  • Grade IV trigger finger is defined as a fixed, locked finger [1].

Clinical Presentation

  • Trigger finger is most common in women older than 50 years of age [1, 2].
  • The middle and ring fingers are the most commonly involved digits in adults [1, 2].
  • Trigger finger is associated with diabetes and inflammatory arthropathy [1, 2].
  • Histology of trigger finger demonstrates fibrocartilaginous metaplasia of the pulley and/or flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon [1, 2].
  • The digits are affected in decreasing order of prevalence: thumb, ring, long, little, and index [9].
  • Trigger finger is more common in patients with systemic diseases including diabetes mellitus (10% to 20% lifetime incidence), hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic tenosynovitis [9].
  • Gout can mimic infectious tenosynovitis with initial presentation of marked pain, erythema, swelling, and warmth [9].
  • Calcific tendinitis can resemble infection and result in triggering, with males affected five times more frequently than females [9].
  • Amyloidosis is characterized by deposition of beta-2-microglobulin along flexor tendons, most commonly seen in patients with renal failure undergoing dialysis [9].
  • Clinical presentation includes pain and tenderness in the distal palm at the proximal edge of the digital A1 pulley [4].
  • Patients frequently note catching or triggering of the affected finger or thumb after forceful flexion [4].
  • In severe cases, the opposite hand must be used to force the finger or thumb passively into extension [4].
  • In the most severe cases, the finger becomes locked in a flexed position [4].
  • Stenosing tenosynovitis is more common in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients [4].
  • A common complaint is referred pain at the dorsal MCP or PIP area [1, 2].
  • A palpable lump or knot may be present in the palm, representing a thickened area in the first annular pulley or a nodule/fusiform swelling of the flexor tendon [7].
  • Local tenderness may be present but is not a prominent complaint [7].
  • Physical examination may reveal a palpable triggering or pain with flexion and extension of the finger [9].
  • Physical examination may reveal nodularity of the flexor tendon just proximal to the A1 pulley [9].
  • A fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint may be present [9].
  • Green classification Grade I is defined as pain and tenderness at the A1 pulley [1, 2, 9].
  • Green classification Grade II is defined as catching of the finger [1, 2, 9].
  • Green classification Grade III is defined as locking of the finger that is passively correctable [1, 2, 9].
  • Green classification Grade IV is defined as a fixed, locked finger [1, 2, 9].
  • Triggering in adults is often seen in individuals older than 45 years of age [7].
  • Triggering may occur after operative release due to catching of the tendon on the palmar aponeurosis transverse fibers [7].
  • Occasionally, a partially lacerated flexor tendon at this level heals with a nodule sufficiently large to cause triggering [7].
  • Other conditions such as intraarticular disorders (loose bodies, degenerative joint disease, fractures) and common extensor tendon subluxation can cause similar symptoms [7].
  • Pathologic examination demonstrates a proliferation of chondrocytes and increased type III collagen in the affected pulleys [9].
  • Newer evidence has found a fourth pulley (variable annular pulley) in 75% of patients, which may contribute to stenosis [1, 2].

Investigations

  • Trigger finger is associated with comorbidities including diabetes and inflammatory arthropathy [1, 2].
  • Etiology is possibly associated with repetitive grasping activities [1, 2].
  • Histology demonstrates fibrocartilaginous metaplasia of the pulley and/or flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon [1, 2].
  • Pathologic examination of affected pulleys demonstrates a proliferation of chondrocytes and increased type III collagen [9].
  • Presentation includes pain and tenderness in the distal palm at the proximal edge of the digital A1 pulley [4].
  • In more severe cases, the opposite hand must be used to force the finger or thumb passively into extension [4].
  • Trigger finger is more common in patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (10% to 20% lifetime incidence), hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic tenosynovitis [9].
  • Physical examination may reveal tenderness to palpation of the flexor tendon at the level of the A1 pulley [9].
  • Physical examination may reveal palpable triggering or pain with flexion and extension of the finger [9].
  • Newer evidence has found a fourth pulley (variable annular pulley) in 75% of patients with trigger thumb, which may contribute to stenosis [1, 2].
  • Definitive diagnosis of gout is made by tenosynovial aspiration or biopsy showing negatively birefringent urate crystals under polarized light microscopy [9].
  • Calcific tendinitis can resemble an infection and result in triggering [9].
  • Radiographs of calcific tendinitis reveal fluffy ectopic calcification in the soft tissues [9].
  • Pseudogout is characterized by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition, often localized to the triangular fibrocartilage or within the carpal tunnel [9].
  • Pathology of pseudogout reveals rhomboid-shaped crystals with positive birefringence [9].
  • Amyloidosis is characterized by deposition of beta-2-microglobulin in thick, plaque-like accumulations along the flexor tendons [9].
  • Amyloidosis is most commonly seen in patients with renal failure undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis [9].
  • Corticosteroid injection into the flexor tendon sheath is a nonoperative treatment option [1, 2].
  • Injection is "curative" in about 60% of patients initially [1, 2].
  • Diabetic patients are generally less responsive to corticosteroid injection [1, 2].
  • There is no difference between soluble and insoluble corticosteroid preparations [1, 2].
  • 65% to 90% of patients who do not have diabetes obtain relief of symptoms with one or two injections [9].
  • Relief of symptoms after injection in patients with diabetes may depend on chronic glucose levels (hemoglobin A1c levels) [9].
  • Surgical release of the A1 pulley is curative in digits refractory to steroid injection [4].
  • Surgical release of the A1 pulley provides satisfactory results in greater than 90% of patients [9].
  • Surgical treatment is required more often in patients with systemic diseases [9].
  • In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, preference is to excise a slip of the FDS tendon rather than to release the A1 pulley [1, 2].
  • In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the entire annular pulley system should be preserved to prevent further ulnar drift of the fingers [4].
  • Release of the A1 pulley in rheumatoid arthritis patients carries a chance that ulnar drift at the MCP joint can be exacerbated [1, 2].
  • Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley may be accomplished with a needle on the middle and ring fingers, especially if they actively lock [4].
  • Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley may be accomplished with a 25-gauge hypodermic needle with corticosteroid infiltration [3].
  • The radial digital nerve is at risk of iatrogenic injury during thumb trigger finger release due to its superficial location [1, 2].
  • Minor complications of surgical release include wound dehiscence, scar tenderness, and decreased range of motion [1, 2].
  • Preoperative hypoglycemia increases infection risk after trigger finger injection and release [3].

Treatment

  • Nonoperative treatment for trigger finger includes corticosteroid injection into the flexor tendon sheath [1].
  • Corticosteroid injection is "curative" in about 60% of patients initially [1].
  • Diabetic patients are generally less responsive to corticosteroid injection than non-diabetic patients [1].
  • There is no difference in efficacy between soluble and insoluble corticosteroid preparations for trigger finger [1].
  • Repeat corticosteroid injections provided symptomatic relief for a year or more in 50% of patients in a study of 292 injections [7].
  • Corticosteroid injections may elevate serum glucose levels for 5 days or more in patients with diabetes mellitus [7].
  • Patients with unstable diabetes may be better treated without corticosteroid injection [7].
  • Immediate surgical release in the clinic was identified as the most cost-effective treatment strategy for trigger finger in diabetic patients [7].
  • Surgical release of the A1 pulley is curative for digits refractory to steroid injection [4].
  • Surgical release reliably relieves the problem for most patients, with approximately 97% having complete resolution after operative treatment [7].
  • Persistence of triggering is more common than recurrence after trigger finger release [7].
  • Surgical treatment options include open or percutaneous release of the A1 pulley [1].
  • In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the preference is to excise a slip of the FDS tendon rather than to release the A1 pulley [1].
  • Excision of an FDS slip in rheumatoid arthritis patients is preferred because release of the A1 pulley carries a risk of exacerbating ulnar drift at the MCP joint [1].
  • Triggering in rheumatoid arthritis patients is treated by tenosynovectomy and excision of one slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis [4].
  • Digital nerves on the thumb are more palmar and closer to the flexor sheath than might be anticipated, making them especially vulnerable [5].
  • Percutaneous release using a needle or push knife has literature support for safety and effectiveness [7].
  • Incomplete pulley release and damage to flexor tendons and digital nerves remain concerns with limited exposure techniques, especially in the index finger and thumb [7].
  • For trigger thumb, the A1 pulley is released while avoiding cutting too far distally to disrupt the oblique pulley [5].
  • Trigger digits require division of the A1 and A0 (proximal palmar) pulleys, whereas trigger thumbs require release of only the A1 pulley [5].
  • If persistent triggering occurs after initial release, it implies either incomplete release of the A1 and palmar pulleys or an alternate site of triggering [5].
  • Percutaneous release can be performed using an 18- or 19-gauge needle [8].
  • During percutaneous release, the needle bevel should be oriented longitudinally parallel to the flexor tendons [8].
  • A scraping or grating sensation felt during needle movement indicates the sheath is being incised during percutaneous release [8].
  • Loss of the grating sensation as the pulley is cut indicates completion of percutaneous release [8].
  • Injection of corticosteroid is optional during percutaneous trigger finger release [8].
  • For combined trigger finger and Dupuytren's disease, an isolated opening of the pulley without touching Dupuytren tissue followed by corticosteroid application in the area of the opened pulley is a recommended strategy [13].
  • Resecting Dupuytren's tissue concomitantly with trigger finger release resulted in a 58% recurrence rate with induration within 1 year [13].
  • Normal use of the finger or thumb is encouraged after surgical release [5].
  • Active hand and finger use with stretching exercises is encouraged after percutaneous release [8].
  • Sutures are removed at 10 to 14 days following open surgical release [5].
  • The compression dressing is removed after 48 hours following open surgical release [5].
  • The needle entry site is covered with an adhesive bandage or light nonrestrictive dressing after percutaneous release [8].
  • Triggering in patients may occur after operative release due to catching of the tendon on the palmar aponeurosis transverse fibers, which usually resolves with time [7].
  • Occasionally, a partially lacerated flexor tendon at the level of the pulley heals with a nodule sufficiently large to cause triggering [7].
  • Pressure accentuates the apparent snapping or triggering of the more distal joints in trigger finger [7].
  • Some adjacent finger triggering may become obvious only after a given finger is released, and both can be released at the same surgical setting [7].
  • Percutaneous release with steroid injection was more effective than steroid injection alone for trigger thumb [6].
  • Preoperative hypoglycemia increases infection risk after both trigger finger injection and release [3].
  • Database review found that preoperative hypoglycemia increased infection risk after both procedures [7].

Complications

  • Concomitant trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in 40% to 60% of patients [1, 2].
  • Diabetic patients are generally less responsive to corticosteroid injections than non-diabetic patients [1, 2].
  • Preoperative hypoglycemia increases the risk of infection after both trigger finger injection and release procedures [3, 7].
  • In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, release of the A1 pulley carries a risk of exacerbating ulnar drift at the MCP joint [1, 2, 4].
  • Incomplete pulley release and damage to flexor tendons and digital nerves remain concerns with limited exposure techniques [7].
  • Minor complications following surgical release include wound dehiscence, scar tenderness, and decreased range of motion [1, 2].
  • Occasionally, a partially lacerated flexor tendon at the level of the pulley may heal with a nodule sufficiently large to cause triggering [7].

References

[1] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > 2. Flexor tendon injury > 3. Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger).

[2] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. 2. Flexor tendon injury > 3. Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger).

[3] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. EXCISION OF NECROTIC MUSCLES COMBINED WITH NEUROLYSIS OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVES FOR SEVERE CONTRACTURE > REFERENCES > TRIGGER THUMB AND TRIGGER FINGER.

[4] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 9Hand Surgery > 2. Flexor Tenosynovitis (Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb).

[5] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. EXCISION OF NECROTIC MUSCLES COMBINED WITH NEUROLYSIS OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVES FOR SEVERE CONTRACTURE > TRIGGER FINGER AND THUMB > SURGICAL RELEASE OF TRIGGER FINGER.

[6] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. EXCISION OF NECROTIC MUSCLES COMBINED WITH NEUROLYSIS OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVES FOR SEVERE CONTRACTURE > TRIGGER THUMB AND TRIGGER FINGER.

[7] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. EXCISION OF NECROTIC MUSCLES COMBINED WITH NEUROLYSIS OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVES FOR SEVERE CONTRACTURE > TRIGGER FINGER AND THUMB.

[8] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. EXCISION OF NECROTIC MUSCLES COMBINED WITH NEUROLYSIS OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVES FOR SEVERE CONTRACTURE > PERCUTANEOUS RELEASE OF TRIGGER FINGER.

[9] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Tendinopathy of the Hand and Wrist* > II. Trigger Finger.

[10] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > TRIGGER FINGERS.

[11] Dupuytren S Disease And Related Hyperproliferative Disorders. 31. The Influence of Dupuytren’s Disease on Trigger Fingers and Vice Versa > 31.5 Discussion.

[12] Dupuytren S Disease And Related Hyperproliferative Disorders. 31. The Influence of Dupuytren’s Disease on Trigger Fingers and Vice Versa > 31.5 Discussion > 31.5.1 Why Is DD Concurring with TF?.

[13] Dupuytren S Disease And Related Hyperproliferative Disorders. 31. The Influence of Dupuytren’s Disease on Trigger Fingers and Vice Versa > 31.5 Discussion > 31.5.3 Surgical Strategies and Recommendations.

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