Onset of Trigger Finger after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: Assessment of Open and Endoscopic Techniques / Frequência do aparecimento de dedo em gatilho no pós-operatório da síndrome do túnel do carpo em duas técnicas cirúrgicas: Aberta e endoscópica

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to determine the frequency of trigger finger (TF) onset after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using an open (OT) or an endoscopic technique (ET). As a secondary endpoint, the present study also compared paresthesia remission and residual pain rates in patients submitted to both techniques. Methods Trigger finger onset and remission rates of paresthesia and pain at the median nerve territory was verified prospectively in a series of adult patients submitted to an OT procedure (n = 34). These findings were compared with a retrospective cohort submitted to ET (n = 33) by the same surgical team. Patients were evaluated with a structured questionnaire in a return visit at least 6 months after surgery. Results Sixty-seven patients were evaluated. There was no difference regarding trigger finger onset (OT, 26.5% versus ET, 27.3%; p = 0.94) and pain (OT, 76.5% versus ET, 84.8%; p = 0.38). Patients submitted to OT had fewer paresthesia complaints compared with those operated using ET (OT, 5.9% versus ET, 24.2%; p = 0.03). Conclusions In our series, the surgical technique did not influence trigger finger onset and residual pain rates. Patients submitted to OT had less complaints of residual postoperative paresthesia.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a frequência do aparecimento de dedo em gatilho (DG) no pós-operatório da síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) em duas técnicas: aberta (TA) e endoscópica (TE). Como desfecho secundário, comparar as taxas de remissão da parestesia e dor residual entre as duas técnicas. Métodos De forma prospectiva, verificamos o aparecimento de dedo em gatilho e taxa de remissão da parestesia e dor no território do nervo mediano em série de pacientes adultos operados pela TA (n = 34). Comparamos com coorte retrospectiva operada pela TE (n = 33), pela mesma equipe de cirurgiões. A avaliação dos pacientes ocorreu por meio de questionário estruturado em consulta de retorno, com mínimo de 6 meses de pós-operatório. Resultados Sessenta e sete pacientes foram avaliados. Não houve diferença quanto ao aparecimento de dedo em gatilho (TA, 26,5% versus TE, 27,3%; p = 0,94) e dor (TA, 76,5% versus TE, 84.8%; p = 0,38). Os pacientes operados pela TA apresentaram menos queixas de parestesia do que os operados pela TE (TA 5,9% versus TE 24,2%; p = 0,03). Conclusões Em nossa série, a técnica cirúrgica não influenciou o aparecimento de dedos em gatilho e dor residual. Os pacientes operados pela técnica aberta apresentaram menos queixa de parestesia residual pós-operatória.

Dedo pulgar en gatillo bilateral, tratamiento quirúrgico y conservador en paciente de 4 años de edad / Bilateral trigger finger, surgical and conservative treatment in a 4 year old patient / Polegar em gatilho bilateral, tratamento cirúrgico e conservador em paciente de quatro anos de idade

Introducción. El dedo en gatillo es una anomalía infrecuente en niños que afecta principalmente al dedo pulgar, de etiología desconocida. El manejo puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. Reporte de caso. Paciente pediátrica escolar de 4 años y 7 meses de edad es remitida al servicio de cirugía plástica por deformidad en flexión fija del pulgar derecho, de 4 meses de evolución asociada a nódulo palpable. Se interviene quirúrgicamente de forma efectiva, sin complicaciones, secuelas ni recurrencia. Discusión. La paciente fue manejada quirúrgicamente de forma efectiva Se hizo un seguimiento durante 3 años con una evolución satisfactoria, teniendo una recuperación total de la función del pulgar, sin secuelas y adecuada adaptabilidad al medio. Conclusión. Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar un caso clínico que busca llamar la atención sobre las indicaciones del tratamiento conservador versus quirúrgico que existen en la literatura, corresponde a una paciente pediátrica de nuestro medio con dedo pulgar en gatillo bilateral, su manejo y los resultados postoperatorios. El dedo pulgar en gatillo pediátrico tiene una baja prevalencia en el mundo. No hay estudios de incidencia ni prevalencia en nuestro medio. La edad de presentación es variable, los signos y síntomas no son iguales a los del adulto, el compromiso puede ser bilateral, su diagnóstico es clínico y el tratamiento quirúrgico, dependiendo del grado de compromiso, puede ser el más efectivo. Cómo citar: Bretón Gómez GA, Vargas Rueda JJ, Ardila Forero PA, López Villegas A. Dedo pulgar en gatillo bilateral, tratamiento quirúrgico y conservador en paciente de 4 años de edad. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):131-136. doi:10.29375/01237047.3616

Introduction. Trigger finger is a rare anomaly in children; it is of unknown etiology and mainly affects the thumb. Management may be conservative or surgical. Case report. Pediatric patient of 4 years and 7 months of age is referred to plastic surgery service for fixed flexion deformity of the right thumb, after 4 months of evolution associated with a palpable nodule. It is successfully intervened surgically, without complications, sequels or recurrence. Discussion. The patient was effectively treated via surgery. Follow-up was carried out for three years with satisfactory evolution, showing full recovery of the function of the thumb, with no after-effects and with adequate adaptability to the environment. Conclusion. The objective of this article is to present a clinical case that aims to draw attention to the indications for conservative versus surgical treatment existing in the literature, corresponding to a pediatric patient from our milieu with a bilateral trigger finger, its treatment and postoperative results. Pediatric trigger finger has low prevalence in the world. There are no incidence or prevalence studies in the cases that were reviewed. The age at which it arises is variable; the signs and symptoms are not the same as those of adults; involvement may be bilateral; diagnosis is clinical and surgery may be the most effective treatment, depending on the degree of involvement. Cómo citar: Bretón Gómez GA, Vargas Rueda JJ, Ardila Forero PA, López Villegas A. Dedo pulgar en gatillo bilateral, tratamiento quirúrgico y conservador en paciente de 4 años de edad. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):131-136. doi:10.29375/01237047.3616

Introdução. O dedo em gatilho é uma anomalia incomum em crianças, que afeta principalmente o polegar, de etiologia desconhecida. O tratamento pode ser conservador ou cirúrgico. Relato de caso. Paciente pediátrica de quatro anos e sete meses de idade é encaminhada ao serviço de cirurgia plástica para deformidade em flexão fixa do polegar direito, com quatro meses de evolução associada a nódulo palpável. Foi tratada cirurgicamente de forma eficaz, sem complicações, sequelas ou recorrência. Discussão. A paciente foi tratada cirurgicamente de forma eficaz. Foi feito um acompanhamento por três anos com uma evolução satisfatória, com recuperação total da função do polegar, sem sequelas e adaptabilidade adequada ao ambiente. Conclusão. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um caso clínico que busca chamar a atenção para as indicações do tratamento conservador versus cirúrgico, existentes na literatura, que corresponde a uma paciente pediátrica em nosso meio com um polegar de gatilho bilateral, seu manejo e resultados pós-operatórios. O polegar em gatilho pediátrico tem uma baixa prevalência no mundo. Não há estudos de incidência ou prevalência nos casos consultados. A idade de apresentação é variável, os sinais e sintomas não são iguais aos do adulto, o comprometimento pode ser bilateral, o diagnóstico é clínico e o tratamento cirúrgico, dependendo do grau de comprometimento, pode ser o mais eficaz. Cómo citar: Bretón Gómez GA, Vargas Rueda JJ, Ardila Forero PA, López Villegas A. Dedo pulgar en gatillo bilateral, tratamiento quirúrgico y conservador en paciente de 4 años de edad. MedUNAB. 2020;23(1):131-136. doi:10.29375/01237047.3616

Morphological alterations of the tendon and pulley on ultrasound after intrasynovial injection of betamethasone for trigger digit

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate whether intrasynovial corticosteroid injections for trigger digit reduced the volume of the tendon and pulley on high-resolution ultrasonography. METHODS: Twenty-three digits of 20 patients with trigger digit were included. Each affected finger was graded clinically according to the following classification: grade I for pre-triggering, grade II for active triggering, grade III for passive triggering, and grade IV for presence of contracture. Axial ultrasound examinations were performed before an intrasynovial corticosteroid injection and at an average of 31 days after the injection. The transverse diameter, thickness, and cross-sectional area of the tendon and the thickness of the pulley were measured by two independent, blinded researchers. RESULTS: At least 1 grade of improvement was achieved in this study group by the time of the second examination. The transverse diameter and cross-sectional area of the tendon and the thickness of the pulley significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The injection of a single dose of betamethasone improved clinical symptoms by reducing the volume of both the tendon and pulley, which may be related to the fact that tendon and pulley ruptures are delayed by corticosteroid injections.

No thumbs up for the boy!

@#A 7-year-old boy presented with both of his thumbs flexed (Figure 1), the inability to perform the ‘thumbs-up’ gesture, and difficulties in opposing thumbs and fingers in activities such as holding a pencil during writing, pincer movements, and picking up small objects. His mother only observed the deformity for one month after the boy complained of difficulty in writing during class. He had no prior history of trauma to the thumbs or pain and swelling in other joints. There were no other birth anomalies noticed by his parents. Upon examination, the boy had flexion deformities of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) on both of the thumbs. Passive range of motion of the IPJ was not possible and both were fixed at 60° of flexion. Power of both thumbs could not be assessed as there was no motion of the joint. The range of motion of the metacarpophalengeal joints (MCPJ) of both thumbs and all other finger joints was normal. A 0.5cm x 0.5cm subcutaneous nodule was palpable at the volar crease of the MCPJ bilaterally. The nodule was tender on palpation; however, no overlying skin changes were evident.

Factors influencing the outcomes of the traditional Chinese medicine percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the outcomes of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis. Methods A total of 119 eligible participants, from outpatient of Dongzhimen Hospital during June, 2014 to April, 2017, were included into the study. The participants received TCM percutaneous release treatment, and were followed-up and assessed outcomes at 27 w. Responders were defined as participants with normal movement in week 27 compared with the baseline period. The NRS assessment in both groups was described, and the baseline characteristics of participants potentially related to cure response were mainly analyzed using Logistic regression analysis. Results Cure group and non-cure group were determined according to the cure response. And the outcomes of pain relief along the timeframe showed the feasibility of criteria of cure response. The uni-factor Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors age,course of disease,interventions and pain severity were significantly different between the cure and non-cure groups,and the multi-factor Logistic regression confirmed the four factors influenced the cure response of the TCM percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis. The cutting knife was 5.85 fold than the traditional needling knife at increasing the cure response (OR=5.853,95% CI 1.853-18.485;P=0.003).All the factors that age equal to or older than 60 years(OR=6.170, 95% CI 1.890-20.141; P=0.003), course of disease more than six months (OR=4.696, 95% CI 1.371-16.085;P=0.014)and pain severity from 6 to 7(OR=5.184,95% CI 1.416-18.975;P=0.013)were negatively associated with clinical response. Conclusions The patients with increasing age, long course of disease and distinct pain severity may be less likely to respond to the TCM percutaneous release treatment. These findings contribute to guiding clinical practice in terms of pretreatment patient selection. Further research is needed to confirm the association.

Incidencia de dedo en gatillo después de liberación del túnel del carpo / Incidence of trigger finger after carpal tunnel release

Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia posoperatoria de DG en pacientes con STC en una cohorte de pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Cohorte de pacientes intervenidos por STC moderado, avanzado o extremo, entre octubre de 2012 a octubre de 2013. Resultados: Cuarenta y tres pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. El 48.8 % eran operarios de máquinas y el 34.9 % trabajaban en servicios generales. El tiempo de evolución del STC fue de 4.1 años. La mano más comprometida y operada fue la derecha (62.8 %). El tiempo de seguimiento mínimo fue en promedio 10 meses (5-20). Diez pacientes (23 %) desarrollaron dedo en gatillo, referido por el paciente y corroborado por el examen físico. Discusión: El STC es a menudo asociado con el dedo en gatillo. La aparición del DG después de cirugía tiene una alta incidencia en los primeros 3 a 4 meses. Nosotros tuvimos una incidencia de 23 % en 43 pacientes operados con la misma técnica de mínima incisión, con seguimiento mínimo de 5 meses. Casi todos los DG aparecieron entre el 4 y 6º mes después de cirugía. El edema posquirúrgico y la fricción que se genera entre el tendón flexor y la polea A1 al seccionar el retináculo palmar son factores en la génesis del DG. El pulgar y el dedo medio desarrollaron con más frecuencia el gatillo (80 %).

Objective: To determine the incidence of TF in a cohort of patients who were operated with release of carpal tunnel. Materials and methods: It is a cohort of patients operated between October 2012 and October 2013 for moderate, advanced or extreme CTS. Results: 43 patients met the inclusion criteria. 48.8 % were machine operators and 34.9 % worked in general services. The time evolution of CTS was 4.1 years. The right hand was the most compromise and operated (62.8 %). The minimum follow-up was 10 months in average (5-20). 10 patients (23 %) developed trigger finger reported by the patient and confirmed by physical examination. Discussion: The CTS is often associated with the trigger finger. The beginning of the TF after surgery has a high incidence in the first 3 to 4 months. We had an incidence of 23 % in 43 patients operated with the same technique of minimal incision, with minimal follow up of 5 months. Almost all of TF appeared between the 4th and 6th month after surgery. Postoperative edema and friction generated between the flexor tendon and the A1 pulley by sectioning the palmar retinaculum are factors in the genesis of TF. The thumb and middle finger developed the trigger more often (80 %).

Ibuprofen timing for hand surgery in ambulatory care

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pre-operative administration of ibuprofen on post-operative pain control vs. early post-operative administration for hand surgery procedures performed under local anaesthesia in ambulatory care. METHODS: Candidates to trigger finger release by De Quervain tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel operation under local anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Group A received 400 mg ibuprofen before the operation and placebo after the procedure; group B received placebo before the operation and ibuprofen 400 mg at the end of the procedure; both groups received ibuprofen 400 mg every 6h thereafter. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was measured at fixed times before and every 6h after surgery, for a total follow-up of 18h. RESULTS: Groups were similar according to age, gender and type of surgery. Median VAS values did not produce any statistical significance, while there was a statistically significant difference on pre-operative and early post-operative VAS values between groups (A -8.53 mm vs. B 3.36 mm, p=0.0085). CONCLUSION: Average pain levels were well controlled by local anesthesia and post-operative ibuprofen analgesia. Pre-operative ibuprofen administration can contribute to improve early pain management. Level of Evidence II, Therapeutic Studies.

Sucesso do tratamento conservador do polegar em gatilho em crianças após seguimento mínimo de cinco anos / Success of conservative treatment of trigger thumb in children after minimum follow-up of five years

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os resultados do tratamento conservador do polegar em gatilho em crianças, de forma a discutir a real necessidade da liberação cirúrgica nesses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de um grupo de crianças portadoras de polegar em gatilho, tratadas consecutivamente pelo mesmo ortopedista, de forma conservadora, com manipulação suave no momento da consulta e orientação de alongamento domiciliar. Seguimento mínimo de cinco anos. RESULTADOS: Treze polegares em 11 crianças foram tratados, sendo sete meninos e quatro meninas. A idade média na primeira consulta foi de 26,3 meses (limites de 11 a 36 meses). O seguimento médio foi de 10 anos (limites de cinco a 16 anos). Em 10 polegares o resultado foi satisfatório (77%), sendo que oito foram diagnosticados até a idade de 24 meses. O tempo médio do diagnóstico até a melhora foi de 20,8 meses (limites de seis a 36 meses). Os três polegares que necessitaram de tratamento cirúrgico tiveram seu diagnóstico após a idade de dois anos e meio. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento conservador do polegar em gatilho na criança apresenta alto índice de sucesso, especialmente nas crianças que têm seu diagnóstico antes da idade de dois anos. Esta é uma informação importante a ser transmitida aos pais e que pode evitar cirurgia desnecessária em muitos casos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of conservative treatment of trigger thumb in children, in order to discuss the real need for surgical release in these patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on a group of children with trigger thumb who were treated conservatively by the same orthopedic surgeon with gentle manipulation at the time of the consultation and guidance on stretching to be performed at home. The cases were followed up for at least five years. RESULTS: Thirteen thumbs in 11 children (seven boys and four girls) were treated. The mean age at the first consultation was 26.3 months (range: 11 to 36 months). The mean follow-up was 10 years (range: 5 to 16 years). Ten thumbs showed satisfactory results (77%): eight of these were diagnosed when the child was younger than two years of age. The mean time taken from diagnosis to clinical improvement was 20.8 months (range: 6 to 36 months). The three thumbs that required surgical treatment were diagnosed after the age of two years and six months. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment of trigger thumb in children showed a high rate of success, especially in children who were diagnosed up to the age of two years. This is important information to be passed on to parents and may avoid unnecessary surgery in many cases.

Liberação percutânea do dedo em gatilho com micro bisturi oftalmológico vitreorretiniano de lâmina 19 / Percutaneous trigger finger release with microvitreoretinal 19 gauge ophtalmologic knife

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma nova técnica de liberação percutânea do dedo em gatilho, usando microbisturi oftalmológico vitreorretiniano (MVR) de lâmina 19. MÉTODO: O tratamento conservador do dedo em gatilho inclui, com frequência, injeção local de esteroide. Esse método apresenta alta taxa de falha, sendo necessárias injeções repetitivas. Quando o tratamento conservador falha, recomenda-se a liberação a céu aberto da polia A1. Foram relatados vários métodos que empregam diversos instrumentos. Usamos um microbisturi oftalmológico vitreorretiniano (MVR, de microvitreoretinal blade) de lâmina 19 na liberação percutânea do dedo em gatilho. RESULTADOS: Liberamos 50 dedos em gatilho por via percutânea com essa lâmina. CONCLUSÃO: Foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios em 45 deles (90 por cento). Nivel de Evidência VI, série de casos.

OBJECTIVE: Conservative treatment of trigger finger includes often local injection of steroid. This has a high rate of failure and repeated injections may be required.METHODS: When conservative treatment fails, open release of the A1 pulley is recommended. Various methods using various instruments have been reported. We used 19 gauge microvitreoretinal (MVR) ophthalmic knife in percutaneous release of trigger finger.RESULTS: We released 50 trigger fingers percutaneously with this knife. Satisfactory results were achieved in 45 of them (90%). Conclusion: Object of this study is to produce a new technique for percutaneous release of trigger finger using 19 gauge microvitreoretinal (MVR) ophthalmic knife.CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were achieved in 45 of them (90%). Level of Evidence: Level IV cases series.

Diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento cirúrgico do polegar em gatilho congênito na criança utilizando o sistema de internação hospital-dia / Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital trigger thumb in children using the day hospital admission system

Introdução: o polegar em gatilho congênito ou tenossinovite estenosante do polegar é a dificuldade de extensão do polegar, identificada nos primeiros meses de vida. Objetivo: a proposta deste estudo foi discutir o tratamento cirúrgico com os resultados, as complicações e as vantagens na utilização da internação hospital-dia. Método: no período de fevereiro de 2001 até janeiro de 2008, verificaram-se 25 crianças entre 3 meses e 6 anos, portadoras de polegar em gatilho congênito. Foram operadas 35 mãos, e 10 casos eram bilaterais. Observamos que a manifestação clínica quanto à dificuldade de extensão do polegar estava presente em todas as mãos operadas e nenhuma criança queixava-se de dor. As crianças foram submetidas à mesma técnica cirúrgica, anestesia geral inalatória, com incisão transversa na prega volar metacarpofalangeana do polegar acometido e abertura longitudinal da polia flexora A1. Não foi utilizado antibiótico e as crianças foram internadas pelo sistema hospital-dia. Resultados: Quinze crianças eram do sexo masculino e dez do sexo feminino. Dos pacientes com lesão bilateral, sete eram do sexo masculino e três do feminino. Quanto ao lado acometido, obtivemos sete polegares direitos, oito esquerdos e dez bilaterais. Como complicações, não houve nenhuma recidiva; um polegar evoluiu com infecção cutânea superficial e dois polegares apresentaram deiscência parcial da sutura após a retirada dos pontos. Conclusões: o polegar em gatilho congênito ou tenossinovite estenosante do polegar na criança pode ser tratado com segurança através da abertura simples da polia flexora A1, utilizando-se a internação hospital-dia.

The congenital trigger disorder or stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb is the difficulty of extending the thumb, identified in early months of life. Objective: The purpose this study was to discuss the operative results, complications and advantages of the day hospital system. Method: This study was carried out from February 2001 to January 2008, with 25 children aging from 3 months to 6 years old with congenital trigger finger thumb. Thirty-five hands were submitted to surgery, and ten children had both hands attacked. The limited extension of the thumb was the clinical characteristic observed in all operated hands and no child had pain complaint. All children were submitted to the same surgical technique, by the use of inhalational general anesthetics, with transversal incision in the metacarpophalangeal volar pleat of the thumb and longitudinal resection of the flexor pulley A1. Antibiotic therapy was not used and all children were admitted by the day hospital system. Results: fifteen were boys and ten were girls. Seven boys and three girls had the pathology in both hands. Comparing the incidence of each side, we have found seven right congenital trigger thumbs, eight left and ten occurring in both sides. The complications found were: one thumb had superficial cutaneous infection and two thumbs presented dehiscence of the incision after the removal of the suture. There were no cases of recurrence of the disease after surgery. Conclusion: we concluded that congenital trigger disorder or stenosing tenosynovitis in children can be safely treated with simple incision of flexor pulley A1 and with day hospital system.

Ten Trigger Fingers in an Adult Man: A Case Report

Trigger finger is a common disease particularly in the middle aged women. A very rare case in which an adult man had 10 trigger fingers was experienced. He was treated with local steroid injections in both thumbs, but trigger finger disease has been aggravated in every digit of both hands. We performed an early operative treatment. Three months after the operation, the patient could perform his work without discomfort in his hands and showed normal range of motion in all fingers.