Ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Trigger finger is a common condition in the hand, and ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger has been widely used in recent years. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger. METHODS: We searched for relevant studies in the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Data, and other resources from their inception to January 2023. Randomized controlled trials of ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger were included. The meta-analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.1. RESULTS: Overall, 15 studies with 988 patients were included. The experimental group was treated with ultrasound-guided acupotomy, and the Control group received traditional acupotomy, traditional operation or injection of medication. Meta-analysis showed that the overall clinical effectiveness (OR = 4.83; 95% CI 2.49-9.37; I2 = 73.1%; P < 0.001) in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group. And the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (WMD = - 1; 95% CI - 1.24, - 0.76; I2 = 99%; P < 0.001), the QuinneII classification (WMD = - 0.84; 95% CI - 1.28, - 0.39; I2 = 99.1%, P < 0.001), the incidence of complications (RR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.11, 0.63; I2 = 0%, P = 0.003), and the recurrence rate (RR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.03, 0.74; I2 = 0%; P = 0.021) were significantly lower in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis can prove the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in the treatment of trigger finger, but this still needs to be verified by a clinical standard large sample test.

Orthotic intervention options to non-surgically manage adult and pediatric trigger finger: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The design and efficacy of orthotic intervention to non-surgically manage adult and pediatric trigger finger vary widely. PURPOSE: To identify types of orthoses (including relative motion), effectiveness, and outcome measurements used to non-surgically manage adult and pediatric trigger finger. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The study was undertaken according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 Statement and registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registry, number CRD42022322515. Two independent authors electronically and manually searched, and screened 4 databases; selected articles following pre-set eligibility criteria; assessed the quality of the evidence using the Structured Effectiveness for Quality Evaluation of Study; and extracted the data. RESULTS: Of the 11 articles included, 2 involved pediatric trigger finger and 9 adult trigger finger. Orthoses for pediatric trigger finger positioned finger(s), hand, and/or wrist of children in neutral extension. In adults, a single joint was immobilized by the orthosis, blocking either the metacarpophalangeal joint or the proximal or distal interphalangeal joint. All studies reported positive results with statistically significant improvements and medium to large effect size to almost every outcome measure, including the Number of Triggering Events in Ten Active Fist 1.37, Frequency of Triggering from 2.07 to 2.54, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure from 0.46 to 1.88, Visual Analogue Pain Scale from 0.92 to 2.00, and Numeric Rating Pain Scale from 0.49 to 1.31. Severity tools and patient-rated outcome measures were used with the validity and reliability of some unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Orthoses are effective for non-surgical management of pediatric and adult trigger finger using various orthotic options. Although used in practice, evidence for the use of relative motion orthosis is absent. High-quality studies based on sound research questions and design using reliable and valid outcome measures are needed.

Tratamento do dedo em gatilho: revisão de ensaios clínicos e observacionais / Trigger finger treatment: review of clinical and observational trials

Introdução: O dedo em gatilho é uma das causas mais comuns de deficiência nas mãos. Possui uma distribuição bimodal, em pacientes com menos de dezoito anos de idade e adultos na quinta e sexta décadas de vida. As modalidades de tratamento conservador para o dedo em gatilho incluem modificaçãoda atividade manual do paciente, protocolos de exercícios para terapia manual, injeção de corticosteroides, medicamentos anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais orais ou injetáveis, e imobilização com uso de órteses. Enquanto o manejo cirúrgico consiste na liberação aberta ou percutânea da polia A1. Objetivo: Sintetizar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura científica, evidências sobre o tratamento do dedo em gatilho. Metodologia: Foram avaliados os ensaios clínicos publicados nos últimos cinco anos (2017-2022), obtidos na base de dados PUBMED com a utilização da seguinte estratégia de busca: "trigger finger"[title]. Resultados: Foram revisados 14 estudos, que eram compostos de 12 artigos e duas cartas aos editores. Conclusão: O tratamento mais citado foi a injeçãode corticosteroides, e se observou que as aplicações com doses maiores geram respostas de maior sucesso. Em relação a procedimentos cirúrgicos a liberação percutânea da polia A1 apresenta maior nível de recuperação e satisfação, além de menor taxa de recorrência e dor em comparação à injeção de corticosteroides

Introduction: The trigger finger is one of the most common causes of disability in the hands. It has a bimodal distribution in patients under eighteen years of age and adults in the fifth and sixth decades of life. Conservative trigger finger treatment modalities include modification of the patient's manual activity, exercise protocols for manual therapy, corticosteroid injection, oral or injectable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immobilization with the use of orthotics. While surgical management consists of the open or percutaneous release of the A1 pulley. Objective: To synthesize, through a review of scientific literature, evidence on trigger finger treatment. Methodology: We evaluated the clinical trials published in the last five years (2017-2022), obtained from the PUBMED database using the following search strategy: "Trigger finger"[title]. Results: 14 studies were reviewed, which were composed of 12 articles and two letters to the editors. Conclusion: The most cited treatment was corticosteroid injection, and it was observed that applications with higher doses generate more successful responses. In relation to surgical procedures, the percutaneous release of the A1 pulley presents a higher level of recovery and satisfaction, as well as a lower rate of recurrence and pain compared to corticosteroid injection

Introducción: El dedo en gatillo es una de las causas más comunes de deficiencia en las manos. Tiene una distribución bimodal, en pacientes menores de dieciocho años y adultos en la quinta y sextas décadas de vida. Las modalidades de tratamiento conservador para el dedo en gatillo incluyen la modificación de la actividad manual del paciente, Protocolos de ejercicio para terapia manual, inyección de corticosteroides, medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos orales o inyectables, e inmovilización con el uso de aparatos ortopédicos. Mientras que el manejo quirúrgico consiste en la liberación abierta o percutánea de la polea A1. Objetivo: Sintetizar, a través de una revisión de la literatura científica, evidencias sobre el tratamiento del dedo en gatillo. Metodología: Se evaluaron los ensayos clínicos publicados en los últimos cinco años (2017-2022), obtenidos en la base de datos PUBMED mediante la siguiente estrategia de búsqueda: "trigger finger"[title]. Resultados: Se identificaron 14 estudios y después de leer el título y el resumen, en los que se incluyeron 12 artículos y dos cartas a los editores en el estudio. Conclusión: El tratamiento más citado fue la inyección de corticoides, y se observó que las aplicaciones con dosis más altas generan respuestas más exitosas. En relación a los procedimientos quirúrgicos, la liberación percutánea de la polea A1 presenta un mayor nivel de recuperación y satisfacción, así como una menor tasa de recurrencia y dolor en comparación con la inyección de corticosteroides

Presentation and Management of the Pediatric Trigger Finger: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Pediatric trigger finger (PTF) is an acquired condition that is uncommon and anatomically complex. Currently, the literature is characterized by a small number of retrospective case series with limited sample sizes. This investigation sought to evaluate the presentation, management, and treatment outcomes of PTF in a large, multicenter cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of PTF between 2009 and 2020 was performed at three tertiary referral hospitals. Patient demographics, PTF characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Patients and families also were contacted by telephone to assess the downstream persistence or recurrence of triggering symptoms. RESULTS: In total, 321 patients with 449 PTFs were included at a mean follow-up of 3.9 ± 4.0 years. There were approximately equal numbers of boys and girls, and the mean age of symptom onset was 5.4 ± 5.1 years. The middle (34.7%) and index (11.6%) fingers were the most and least commonly affected digits, respectively. Overall, PTFs managed operatively achieved significantly higher rates of complete resolution compared with PTFs managed nonsurgically (97.1% vs 30.0%). Seventy-five percent of PTFs that achieved complete resolution with nonsurgical management did so within 6 months, and approximately 90% did so within 12 months. Patients with multidigit involvement, higher Quinnell grade at presentation, or palpable nodularity were significantly more likely to undergo surgery. There was no significant difference in the rate of complete resolution between splinted versus not splinted PTFs or across operative techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Only 30% of the PTFs managed nonsurgically achieved complete resolution. Splinting did not improve resolution rates in children treated nonsurgically. In contrast, surgical intervention has a high likelihood of restoring motion and function of the affected digit. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Incidence and Treatment Efficacy of Trigger Finger in the Breast Cancer Population on Aromatase Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Trigger finger is a common hand complaint of the general population. Limited literature exists implicating a low-estrogen state in patients on aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer who develop trigger finger. The authors' objective was to determine the incidence and treatment outcomes of this population. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer on AI who developed trigger finger from 2010 to 2019. The total population of patients during this time served as our population, and patients with breast cancer not on AI with trigger finger served as our control. Primary outcomes included total number of injections and need for surgery. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for surgery. χ2 analysis and logistical regression model determined the significance of primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: In all, 192 patients of a population size of 664 751 met our study group criteria. The study group showed a higher incidence of trigger finger (5.1% vs 1.3%; P < .001) compared with our population. Patients treated with AI for breast cancer had both higher incidence of trigger finger (5.1% vs 1.5%, P < .001) and injections (77.1% vs 66.5%, P < .001) compared with patients not on AI therapy. Independent risk factors requiring surgical treatment were found in patients with diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 3.54; P = .01) and in patients with concomitant radiation therapy (OR, 3.17; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the incidence, treatment outcomes, and surgical risk factors of trigger finger in patients on AI therapy for breast cancer.

Do You Really Need a Hand Surgeon? Common Tendinopathies of the Upper Extremity.

Lateral epicondylitis, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and trigger finger are among the most common tendinopathies of the upper extremity. Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition with a prolonged course that can be frustrating for patients. Nonetheless, most patients improve with a simple wait-and-see approach. Therapy has been shown to be helpful and surgical management is usually successful in recalcitrant cases. Cortisone, although commonly used in the past, has been shown to have worse results than placebo in the medium and long term. de Quervain tenosynovitis responds well to nonsurgical measures including bracing treatment, therapy, and cortisone. Surgery is effective, although neuritis of the radial sensory nerve is a notable complication. Trigger finger is strongly associated with diabetes and is typically treated with cortisone or surgery. With a thoughtful and well-researched approach, any of these conditions can be successfully managed by a community orthopaedic specialist.

Trigger Finger Treatment / Tratamento do Dedo em Gatilho

Abstract Trigger finger is a frequent condition. Although tenosynovitis and the alteration of pulley A1 are identified as triggering factors, there is no consensus on the true cause in the literature, and its true etiology remains unknown. The diagnosis is purely clinical most of the time. It depends solely on the existence of finger locking during active bending movement. Trigger finger treatment usually begins with nonsurgical interventions that are instituted for at least 3 months. In patients with initial presentation with flexion deformity or inability to flex the finger, there may be earlier indication of surgical treatment due to pain intensity and functional disability. In the present review article, we will present the modalities and our algorithm for the treatment of trigger finger.

Resumo O dedo em gatilho é uma afecção frequente. Não obstante a tenossinovite e a alteração da polia A1 serem identificados como fatores desencadeantes, não há consenso sobre a verdadeira causa na literatura, sendo que a sua verdadeira etiologia permanece desconhecida. O diagnóstico é puramente clínico na maior parte das vezes. Ele depende unicamente da existência do travamento do dedo no decorrer da movimentação flexão ativa. O tratamento do dedo em gatilho geralmente se inicia com intervenções não cirúrgicas que são instituídas por pelo menos 3 meses. Nos pacientes em quem haja apresentação inicial com deformidade em flexão ou incapacidade de flexão do dedo, pode haver indicação mais precoce do tratamento cirúrgico em razão da intensidade do quadro álgico e da incapacidade funcional do paciente. No presente artigo de revisão, apresentaremos as modalidades e o nosso algoritmo para o tratamento do dedo em gatilho.

Platelet-rich plasma in the management of trigger finger: A case report.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a viable therapeutic alternative for a number of clinical applications and has potential benefit for use in trigger finger. However, PRP use has not been previously reported for this condition. We report a 63-year-old woman sustaining a refractory trigger finger after a series of three PRP injections over a 2-week period. There was resolution of triggering, with no symptom recurrence at 3-month follow-up. On the basis of this report, we can assume that the treatment of trigger finger with PRP is a promising therapeutic option to be further explored with larger samples and high-quality studies.

Infiltración comisural dorsal en el tratamiento del pulgar y los dedos en resorte. Estudio de una cohorte prospectiva / Out-of-sheath corticosteroid injections through the dorsal webspace for trigger finger and trigger thumb. A prospective cohort study

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las infiltraciones de corticoides son efectivas en el tratamiento de los dedos en gatillo pero el dolor percibido por el paciente durante la inyección es un efecto acompañante siempre presente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad y el dolor percibido durante una infiltración corticoidea depositada fuera de la vaina tendinosa utilizando la técnica comisural dorsal. Material y método: Se incluyeron 126 pacientes consecutivos. Se realizó una infiltración esteroidea subcutánea (fuera de la vaina) a través de la comisura dorsal. En los casos en que los signos o síntomas persistieron, se ofreció una segunda infiltración. Se registró el dolor percibido durante la infiltración mediante la escala visual analógica, el cuestionario DASH antes del tratamiento y al final de seguimiento, la tasa de éxito y las complicaciones. Resultados: Fueron 86 mujeres y 40 hombres con una edad media de 61 años. La puntuación media del dolor durante la infiltración fue de 3,8. Doce pacientes se perdieron durante el seguimiento. El éxito global fue del 68% y el éxito tras una única inyección fue del 54%. El mejor resultado se obtuvo en el dedo anular. Los pacientes que no habían sido operados previamente del síndrome del túnel carpiano respondieron mejor. No se objetivaron complicaciones. Conclusiones: La infiltración esteroidea fuera de la vaina tendinosa y utilizando la técnica comisural dorsal es efectiva y segura en el tratamiento de los dedos en resorte. Parece ser menos dolorosa que los resultados publicados para la técnica palmar sobre la línea media, aunque esto debe evaluarse en un estudio diseñado para ello.(AU)

Background and objective: Steroid injections are effective in the treatment of trigger digits but the pain during the injection is an always-present accompanying effect. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and perceived pain during an out-of-sheath corticosteroid injection through the dorsal webspace in the treatment of trigger digits. Material and method: A total of 126 consecutive patients were included. A subcutaneous (out-of-sheath) corticosteroid injection was performed through the dorsal webspace in all digits. In cases where signs or symptoms persisted, a second injection was offered. Visual analog scale for pain during the injection, DASH questionnaire, success rate and complications were collected. Results: There were 86 women and 40 men with a mean age of 61 years. The mean visual analog scale for pain during the injection was 3.8. Twelve patients were lost to follow-up. The overall success was 68% and success after a single injection was 54%. The best result was achieved on the ring finger. Patients who were not previously operated on carpal tunnel syndrome responded better. No complications were noted. Conclusions: The extra-sheath corticosteroid injection through the dorsal webspace is effective and safe. It seems to be less painful than the reported scores for the palmar midline technique although it should be assessed in a comparative study.(AU)

Out-of-sheath corticosteroid injections through the dorsal webspace for trigger finger and trigger thumb. A prospective cohort study / Infiltración comisural dorsal en el tratamiento del pulgar y los dedos en resorte. Estudio de una cohorte prospectiva

Background and objective: Steroid injections are effective in the treatment of trigger digits but the pain during the injection is an always-present accompanying effect. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and perceived pain during an out-of-sheath corticosteroid injection through the dorsal webspace in the treatment of trigger digits. Material and method: A total of 126 consecutive patients were included. A subcutaneous (out-of-sheath) corticosteroid injection was performed through the dorsal webspace in all digits. In cases where signs or symptoms persisted, a second injection was offered. Visual analog scale for pain during the injection, DASH questionnaire, success rate and complications were collected. Results: There were 86 women and 40 men with a mean age of 61 years. The mean visual analog scale for pain during the injection was 3.8. Twelve patients were lost to follow-up. The overall success was 68% and success after a single injection was 54%. The best result was achieved on the ring finger. Patients who were not previously operated on carpal tunnel syndrome responded better. No complications were noted. Conclusions: The extra-sheath corticosteroid injection through the dorsal webspace is effective and safe. It seems to be less painful than the reported scores for the palmar midline technique although it should be assessed in a comparative study.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las infiltraciones de corticoides son efectivas en el tratamiento de los dedos en gatillo pero el dolor percibido por el paciente durante la inyección es un efecto acompañante siempre presente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad y el dolor percibido durante una infiltración corticoidea depositada fuera de la vaina tendinosa utilizando la técnica comisural dorsal. Material y método: Se incluyeron 126 pacientes consecutivos. Se realizó una infiltración esteroidea subcutánea (fuera de la vaina) a través de la comisura dorsal. En los casos en que los signos o síntomas persistieron, se ofreció una segunda infiltración. Se registró el dolor percibido durante la infiltración mediante la escala visual analógica, el cuestionario DASH antes del tratamiento y al final de seguimiento, la tasa de éxito y las complicaciones. Resultados: Fueron 86 mujeres y 40 hombres con una edad media de 61 años. La puntuación media del dolor durante la infiltración fue de 3,8. Doce pacientes se perdieron durante el seguimiento. El éxito global fue del 68% y el éxito tras una única inyección fue del 54%. El mejor resultado se obtuvo en el dedo anular. Los pacientes que no habían sido operados previamente del síndrome del túnel carpiano respondieron mejor. No se objetivaron complicaciones. Conclusiones: La infiltración esteroidea fuera de la vaina tendinosa y utilizando la técnica comisural dorsal es efectiva y segura en el tratamiento de los dedos en resorte. Parece ser menos dolorosa que los resultados publicados para la técnica palmar sobre la línea media, aunque esto debe evaluarse en un estudio diseñado para ello.(AU)

Common Hand Conditions: A Review.

Importance: Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and basilar (carpometacarpal) joint arthritis of the thumb can be associated with significant disability. Observations: Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness and tingling in the thumb and the index, middle, and radial ring fingers and by weakness of thumb opposition when severe. It is more common in women and people who are obese, have diabetes, and work in occupations involving use of keyboards, computer mouse, heavy machinery, or vibrating manual tools. The Durkan physical examination maneuver, consisting of firm digital pressure across the carpal tunnel to reproduce symptoms, is 64% sensitive and 83% specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. People with suspected proximal compression or other compressive neuropathies should undergo electrodiagnostic testing, which is approximately more than 80% sensitive and 95% specific for carpal tunnel syndrome. Splinting or steroid injection may temporarily relieve symptoms. Patients who do not respond to conservative therapies may undergo open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for definitive treatment. Trigger finger, which involves abnormal resistance to smooth flexion and extension ("triggering") of the affected finger, affects up to 20% of adults with diabetes and approximately 2% of the general population. Steroid injection is the first-line therapy but is less efficacious in people with insulin-dependent diabetes. People with diabetes and those with recurrent symptoms may benefit from early surgical release. de Quervain tenosynovitis, consisting of swelling of the extensor tendons at the wrist, is more common in women than in men. People with frequent mobile phone use are at increased risk. The median age of onset is 40 to 59 years. Steroid injections relieve symptoms in approximately 72% of patients, particularly when combined with immobilization. People with recurrent symptoms may be considered for surgical release of the first dorsal extensor compartment. Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis affects approximately 33% of postmenopausal women, according to radiographic evidence of carpometacarpal arthritis. Approximately 20% of patients require treatment for pain and disability. Nonsurgical interventions (immobilization, steroid injection, and pain medication) relieve pain but do not alter disease progression. Surgery may be appropriate for patients unresponsive to conservative treatments. Conclusions and Relevance: Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis can be associated with significant disability. First-line treatment for each condition consists of steroid injection, immobilization, or both. For patients who do not respond to noninvasive therapy or for progressive disease despite conservative therapy, surgical treatment is safe and effective.

Paediatric Trigger-Locked Thumb.

Paediatric trigger-locked thumb (PT-LT) is a common paediatric thumb condition. It is an acquired flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint because of a size mismatch between an enlarged flexor pollicis longus tendon and a stenotic oblique pulley. It may present clinically as paediatric locked thumb which is more common or infrequently as paediatric trigger thumb. Paediatric locked thumb is classified into two types based on the presence of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) hyperextension. Type I does not have MCPJ hyperextension, whereas type II is associated with MCPJ hyperextension. The treatment of PT-LT is determined by the patient's age, time of onset, presentation, and type. Treatment modalities are observation, splinting, therapy, or surgery. Surgery involves dividing the A1 pulley and, most importantly, part of the oblique pulley. Level of Evidence: V (Therapeutic).

Recognizing and treating trigger finger.

This inflammatory condition can leave your patient in pain and with impaired function. Here's what you need to know about the diagnosis and Tx options to provide relief.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Treatment of Trigger Finger: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and to determine the ideal energy flux density of wide-focused ESWT in the treatment of trigger finger (TF). DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 patients (N=60) with grade II TF according to the Quinnell classification were randomly and evenly allocated to 3 treatment groups. INTERVENTIONS: Three treatment groups included a high-energy ESWT (HS) group (energy flux density of 0.01 mJ/mm2, 5.8 bar, 1500 impulses, once per week for 4wk), a low-energy ESWT (LS) group (energy flux density of 0.006 mJ/mm2, 3 bar, 1500 impulses, once per week for 4wk), and a sham intervention group (sham group). All participants received 6 months of follow-up after intervention when only painkillers were allowed as concomitant treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes were followed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention, including pain score, frequency of triggering, severity of triggering, functional impact of triggering, and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (qDASH). RESULTS: All groups showed significant improvements from baseline in all clinical parameters, except for functional impact of triggering, 6 months after the interventions. However, the HS group demonstrated a higher magnitude of improvement than the LS and sham groups. In addition, the HS group reported significantly lower pain (P=.01) and lower qDASH (P=.008) than the sham group 6 months after the interventions. No adverse effects were reported in the HS and LS groups within 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Wide-focused ESWT is a safe and effective but dose-dependent alternative facilitating pain relief and functional improvement in the treatment of grade II TF according to the Quinnell classification.

Comparing the Corticosteroid Injection and A1 Pulley Percutaneous Release in Treatment of Trigger Finger: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Primary treatment of trigger digits is conservative including stretching, night splinting and combination of heat and ice. When these methods fail, invasive methods such as corticosteroid injection, percutaneous release and open surgery are used. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of two outpatient methods of percutaneous trigger finger release (PTFR) and corticosteroid injection (CI). Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed with 6-month follow up. A total of 83 patients with trigger finger treated either with corticosteroid injection (n:40) or percutaneous release of the A1 pulley (n:43) were enrolled in this study. Demographic data were recorded before intervention. Pain score (VAS criterion), disease stage (Quinnell criteria), patient satisfaction and complications such as paresthesia, scarring, and stiffness (decrease in the range of motion) were recorded after the intervention. We used SPSS program (statistical package for the social science SPSS version 16) to perform the analysis. Results: There were 18 male (21.7%) and 65 female (78.3%) patients, whose mean age was 52.54 ± 11.45 (28-85) years. There was a significant difference between the degree of pain at the time of the third, sixth weeks and sixth months in two groups. The degree of pain was lower in the CI group in the third and sixth weeks but it was lower in the PTFR group in the sixth month. Satisfaction of the patients in the sixth month was significantly higher in the PTFR group. The incidence of stiffness was also significantly lower in the PTFR group in the sixth month. Conclusions: Patients in PTFR group had greater recovery and satisfaction level and lower recurrence rate and pain. Therefore PTFR may be used as a substitute for CI in the treatment of trigger finger from the beginning especially in patients who do not want to have open surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Trigger Finger in Brazil - A Cross-Sectional Study / Diagnóstico e tratamento do dedo de gatilho no Brasil - Estudo transversal

Abstract Objective The present paper aims to evaluate the therapeutic planning for trigger finger by Brazilian orthopedists. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with a population composed of participants from the 2018 Brazilian Congress on Orthopedics and Traumatology (CBOT-2018, in the Portuguese acronym), who answered a questionnaire about the conduct adopted for trigger finger diagnosis and treatment. Results A total of 243 participants were analyzed, with an average age of 37.46 years old; most participants were male (88%), with at least 1 year of experience (55.6%) and from Southeast Brazil (68.3%). Questionnaire analysis revealed a consensus on the following issues: diagnosis based on physical examination alone (73.3%), use of the Quinnell classification modified by Green (58.4%), initial nonsurgical treatment (91.4%), infiltration of steroids combined with an anesthetic agent (61.7%), nonsurgical treatment time ranging from 1 to 3 months (52.3%), surgical treatment using the open approach (84.4%), mainly the transverse open approach (51%), triggering recurrence as the main nonsurgical complication (58%), and open surgery success in > 90% of the cases (63%), with healing intercurrences (54%) as the main complication. There was no consensus on the remaining variables. Orthopedists with different practicing times disagree on treatment duration (p = 0.013) and on the complication rate of open surgery (p = 0.010). Conclusions Brazilian orthopedists prefer to diagnose trigger finger with physical examination alone, to classify it according to the Quinnell method modified by Green, to institute an initial nonsurgical treatment, to perform infiltrations with steroids and local anesthetic agents, to sustain the nonsurgical treatment for 1 to 3 months, and to perform the surgical treatment using a transverse open approach; in addition, they state that the main nonsurgical complication was triggering recurrence, and report open surgery success in > 90% of the cases, with healing intercurrences as the main complication.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o planejamento terapêutico para o dedo em gatilho por ortopedistas brasileiros. Métodos Estudo transversal, cuja população foi composta por participantes do Congresso Brasileiro de Ortopedia e Traumatologia 2018 (CBOT-2018). Foi aplicado um questionário sobre a conduta adotada no diagnóstico e tratamento do dedo em gatilho. Resultados Foram analisados 243 participantes com média de idade de 37.46 anos, na maioria homens (88%), tempo de experiência de pelo menos 1 ano (55,6%), e da região Sudeste (68.3%). A análise dos questionários evidenciou que há consenso nos seguintes quesitos: diagnóstico somente com exame físico (73,3%), classificação de Quinnell modificada por Green (58,4%), tratamento inicial não cirúrgico (91,4%), infiltração de corticoide com anestésico (61,7%) tempo de tratamento não cirúrgico de 1 a 3 meses (52,3%), tratamento cirúrgico pela via aberta (84,4%), principalmente via aberta transversa (51%), recidiva do engatilhamento como principal complicação não cirúrgica (58%), e o sucesso da cirurgia aberta em > 90% (63%), sendo a sua principal complicação as complicações cicatriciais (54%). Sem consenso nas demais variáveis. De acordo com a experiência, foram observadas diferenças referentes ao tempo de tratamento (p = 0.013) e a taxa de complicação da cirurgia aberta (p = 0.010). Conclusões O ortopedista brasileiro tem preferência pelo diagnóstico do dedo em gatilho apenas com exame físico, classifica segundo Quinnell modificado por Green, tratamento inicial não cirúrgico, infiltrações com corticoide e anestésico local, tempo de tratamento não cirúrgico de 1 a 3 meses, tratamento cirúrgico por via aberta transversa, principal complicação não cirúrgica a recidiva do engatilhamento, e considera o sucesso da cirurgia aberta em > 90% dos casos, tendo como principal complicação as complicações cicatriciais.

Clinical results of splinting versus observation for pediatric trigger thumb.

Patients with pediatric trigger thumb present with fixed contracture of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) or snapping of the thumb. We applied a hand-based dynamic splint using coils at the IPJ. The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of splint therapy versus observation. One hundred twenty-nine thumbs (112 patients and 57 boys) were examined retrospectively. At initial presentation, parents selected the treatment after explanation of pathology and consents were obtained. Treatment was concluded when full extension or resolution of the involved IPJ was achieved; alternatively, surgical treatment was offered for patients who failed to improve. Improvement in extension loss to 0° and hyperextension was defined as resolution of the IPJ. Surgery was not selected as a first-line treatment strategy in any of the cases in this study. The rate of resolution was 59% at 31 months of follow-up in the splint group (99 thumbs) and 43% at 30 months in observation group (30 thumbs); there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.15). Twenty-one thumbs showed locking of the IPJ in the extended position during splint therapy, but all recovered with a 71% rate of resolution. The splint group showed a higher rate of resolution than the observation group; however, there was no significant difference between therapies. Our study showed that 55% of patients with pediatric trigger thumb showed resolution following conservative treatment for an average of 30 months until surgery could be performed under local anesthesia. Splint therapy and observation are viable treatment options prior to surgery.