Surgical treatment of trigger finger: a comparative study of A1 pulley opening versus ulnar superficialis slip resection.

ABSTRACT

Trigger finger is a common condition. Surgery most frequently involves opening the A0 and A1 pulleys. However, this shows limited effectiveness in correcting proximal interphalangeal joint fixed flexion deformity. The present study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between two surgical techniques for trigger finger treatment. This retrospective study included 127 patients, 72 of whom underwent resection of the ulnar slip of the flexor superficialis, and 55 underwent opening of the pulleys. Study data comprised patient characteristics, range of motion, proximal interphalangeal fixed flexion deformity measurement, Quick-DASH and PRWE scores, and overall satisfaction. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of Quick-DASH or PRWE scores. Fixed flexion deformity correction was slightly but not significantly better with resection of the ulnar slip of the flexor superficialis (100%) compared to opening of the pulleys (88%). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.