Trigger Finger or De Quervain Tenosynovitis after Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Dedo em gatilho ou tenossinovite de De Quervain após tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo

Abstract Objective To evaluate the open surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome as a risk factor for the development of stenosing tenosynovitis that results in trigger finger and De Quervain disease. Materials and Methods A retrospective study analyzing the medical records of patients submitted to open surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome between 2010 and 2021 in a secondary- and tertiary-level hospital. The following data were collected: pathological history, duration of the follow-up after the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, development of trigger finger or De Quervain tenosynovitis, affected fingers, and the interval between the end of surgery and symptom onset. Results We evaluated 802 patients of both genders and with a mean age of 50.1 (±12.6) years. The mean follow-up was of 13 (±16.4) months. The mean time until the development of trigger finger was of 61.4 months, and of 73.7 months for De Quervain disease. The incidence of development of De Quervain disease was of 4.12%, and for trigger finger it was of 10.2%. The most affected digits were the thumb (47.6%), the middle (24.4%), and the ring finger (8.54%). Age was the only factor that showed an association with the risk of developing trigger finger, with an increase of 2% for each increase in age of 1 year. Conclusion The incidence rates for the development of De Quervain disease (4.12%) and trigger finger (10.2%) after the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome were like those described in the literature. Only age was a factor that influenced the development of trigger finger.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o tratamento cirúrgico aberto da síndrome do túnel do carpo como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento das tenossinovites estenosantes formadoras do dedo em gatilho e da doença de De Quervain. Materiais e Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com análise dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos a liberação cirúrgica aberta da síndrome do túnel do carpo entre 2010 e 2021 em hospital de níveis secundário e terciário. Os seguintes dados foram coletados: histórico patológico, tempo de acompanhamento após o tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo, desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho ou tenossinovite de De Quervain, dedos acometidos, e tempo decorrido entre o fim da cirurgia e o aparecimento dos sintomas. Resultados Foram avaliados 802 pacientes de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 50,1 (±12,6) anos. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 13 (±16,4) meses. O tempo médio de desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho foi de 61,4 meses, e o da doença de De Quervain, de 73,7 meses. A incidência de desenvolvimento da doença de De Quervain foi de 4,12% e a de dedo em gatilho, de 10,2%. Os dedos mais acometidos foram o polegar (47,6%), o médio (24,4%) e o anular (8,54%). A idade foi único fator que demonstrou associação com o risco de desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho, com aumento de 2% a cada ano a mais de idade. Conclusão As taxas de incidência de desenvolvimento de doença de De Quervain (4,12%) e de dedo em gatilho (10,2%) após tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo foram semelhantes às descritas na literatura. Apenas a idade se apresentou como fator influenciador no desenvolvimento de dedo em gatilho.

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.

Síndrome de compresión del túnel del carpo y tercer dedo en gatillo secundarios a un fibrolipoma encapsulado de la muñeca: reporte de un caso / Carpal tunnel compression syndrome and third finger in trigger secondary to an encapsulated fibrolipoma of the wrist: a case report

Resumen: Introducción: la asociación del síndrome del túnel del carpo con tenosinovitis estenosante de la mano es muy rara, aún más, si es generada por un fibrolipoma a nivel del túnel del carpo. El estudio de imagen para detectar este tipo de lesiones en la mano incluye: desde una radiografía con proyección para el túnel del carpo, tomografía axial computarizada y resonancia magnética nuclear; pero éstos no se utilizan habitualmente para el estudio protocolizado del síndrome del túnel del carpo y mucho menos para los dedos en gatillo. Objetivo: el objetivo de este trabajo es reportar un caso en el cual se presenta la sintomatología característica de un síndrome de túnel del carpo, asociada a tercer dedo en gatillo, el cual se maneja con la liberación del nervio mediano por medio de un abordaje de mínima invasión, además de la polea A1. Caso clínico: la paciente persistió con ambas alteraciones y en la revisión secundaria se detectó bloqueo a nivel de la muñeca. Se intervino nuevamente a la paciente y se encontró una tumoración encapsulada, que midió 3.0 × 2.0 × 1.0 cm, con superficie externa lisa, blanquecina, de aspecto ovoide y consistencia blanda «ahulada¼. El estudio anatomopatológico la identificó como un fibrolipoma encapsulado que ocasionó la compresión nerviosa y el bloqueo del tendón flexor. Conclusión: la importancia de este reporte de caso radica en agregar los tumores al repertorio etiológico, que además pueden provocar una compresión del nervio mediano y en que sean aún menos frecuentes como causa de atrapamiento de los tendones flexores de la mano.

Abstract: Introduction: the association of carpal tunnel syndrome with stenosing tenosynovitis of the hand is very rare, even more, if it is generated by a fibrolipoma at the carpal tunnel. The imaging study useful to detect this type of hand injuries are X-ray screening for carpal tunnel, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. But these are not commonly used for the study of protocolized carpal tunnel syndrome and much less trigger finger. Objective: the aim of this work is to report a case of a middle-aged female with carpal tunnel syndrome characteristic symptoms, associated with the third trigger finger; she was handled with the release of the median nerve by a minimally invasive approach, in addition to the A1 pulley release. Clinical case: the patient persists with both problems and at a secondary surgical review, we detected wrist locking sensation. The patient was reoperated finding an ovoid encapsulated tumor, measuring 3.0 × 2.0 × 1.0 cm, with smooth outer surface, whitish appearance, and soft rubbery consistency. The biopsy pathology outlines identified an encapsulated fibrolipoma, causing nerve compression and locking flexor tendon. Conclusion: the importance of this writing is in adding tumors to the etiological repertoire, which can cause compression of the median nerve and even less frequent as a cause of the flexor tendons of the hand snagging.

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.

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.

Randomized Controlled Trial on Combined Percutaneous Release and Steroid Injection Versus Percutaneous Release Alone for Trigger Finger in Adults

@#INTRODUCTION: Trigger finger is one of the most common causes of hand pain and disability. Surgical treatment consists of release of the A-1 pulley by open or percutaneous techniques. Many authors have noted that percutaneous release is convenient and cost-effective with a low complication rate. Only few studies have published results on combination of percutaneous release and steroid injection. OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of outcomes in adults with trigger finger treated with combination of percutaneous release and corticosteroid injection to those treated with percutaneous release alone METHODS: We included all patients older than 18 years old in the UP-PGH Department of Orthopedics with a diagnosis of trigger finger who have consented to participate in this study. They were randomized into two treatment groups. One group was treated with percutaneous release only and the other group was treated with combined percutaneous release and corticosteroid injection. Outcomes measured were total active motion (TAM), postoperative pain, time to return-to-work, patient satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Post-procedure, both groups showed significant improvement in motion of the fingers (p = 0.034) and pain relief (p = 0.001). TAM scores of the combination group were better compared to the control at all time intervals (p = 0.03, 0.008, 0.004, 0.019) and better pain VAS scores in the 1st week (p = 0.009). Patients who received the combination treatment showed a trend toward better patient satisfaction, shorter duration of post-release pain and earlier return-to-work. CONCLUSION: significantly improves TAM and pain VAS scores.

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

Tenosinovitis estenosante de tendones flexores de la mano: revisión de la literatura / Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the hand: literature review

Flexor tendon tenosynovitis is an entrapment of the flexor tendons at its entrance to the pulley system. Because there is a high incidence of this pathology, it should be well known by physicians, rheumathologists and orthopaedic surgeons. On this paper we present a literature review, analyzing the anatomic facts, biomechanics, diagnosis, classification, therapeutic options and we propose some general recommendations for physicians.

Evaluación de resultados clínicos postoperatorios a corto y largo plazo de liberación percutánea con aguja vs técnica abierta de dedo en gatillo / Evaluation of postoperative results short and long term of percutaneous liberation vs open technique for trigger finger

Resumen: Introducción: El dedo en gatillo es muy frecuente en la población, con un riesgo de vida de padecer la enfermedad de 2.6% en la población general y con un aumento de 4 a 10% en diabéticos. Dado que no hay un estándar de oro de tratamiento quirúrgico y aún hay controversia en ello, es importante evaluar los resultados de las distintas técnicas quirúrgicas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar resultados postoperatorios de ambas técnicas quirúrgicas en pacientes con seguimiento de uno a 12 meses de postoperatorio. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional realizado en un período de Enero de 2015 a Diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes postoperados de liberación con técnica abierta (grupo 1) y percutánea con aguja (grupo 2). Se llevó a cabo la revisión de expedientes de todos los pacientes y se les hizo una encuesta mediante vía telefónica. Los resultados de la comparación de ambas técnicas se analizaron mediante χ2 para resultados paramétricos y mediante la prueba de Fisher para los no paramétricos. Resultados: Se encontró que los pacientes del grupo 2 manifestaron mayor satisfacción, de los cuales 21.8% (n = 12) estuvieron totalmente satisfechos con el procedimiento percutáneo, a diferencia de los del grupo 1 quienes manifestaron satisfacción total sólo en 3.8% (n = 2). Conclusiones: En este estudio podemos concluir que ambas técnicas son efectivas para el tratamiento de dedo en gatillo, siendo la liberación percutánea con aguja la que ofrece mayor grado de satisfacción en los pacientes.

Abstract: Indroduction: Trigger finger is very common in the population, with a life-threatening risk of developing the disease of 2.6% in the general population and increasing to 4 to 10% in diabetics. Since there is no standard gold of surgical treatment and there is still controversy in this, it is important to evaluate the results of the different surgical techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate postoperative results of both surgical techniques in patients with follow-up of 1 to 12 months postoperative. Material and methods: It is a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study carried out in a period from January 2015 to December 2017. Postoperative open (group 1) and percutaneous needle (group 2) patients were included. All patients were reviewed and surveyed by telephone. The comparison results of both techniques were analyzed using χ2 for parametric results and by the Fisher test for nonparametric results. Results: It was found that patients in group 2 expressed greater satisfaction, where 21.8% (n = 12) were fully satisfied with the percutaneous procedure, unlike those in group 1 where total satisfaction was only manifested at 3.8% (n = 2). Conclusions: In this study we can conclude that both techniques are effective for the treatment of trigger finger, with percutaneous needle release offering the highest degree of satisfaction in patients.

Ultrasound-guided selective nerve blocks for trigger finger surgeries to maintain flexion/extension of fingers - Case series / Bloqueios seletivos guiados por ultrassom para cirurgias de dedo em gatilho para manutenção da flexão/extensão dos dedos - Série de casos

Abstract Background: A patient's ability to move his/her fingers during hand surgery may be helpful to surgeons because it allows the effectiveness of the intervention evaluation and prediction of hand function in the postoperative period. The purpose of this case series is to demonstrate the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block technique to maintain the hand flexor and extensor muscles motor function and discuss the benefits of the technique for trigger finger surgery. Case report: Ten patients scheduled to undergo trigger finger surgery were selected. The goal was to maintain flexion and extension of the fingers during the procedure. Thus, ultrasound-guided ulnar, radial, and medial nerve block was performed in the distal third of the forearm, at 5-7 cm proximal to the wrist. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine on each nerve. All procedures were uneventfully performed maintaining the flexion and extension of the fingers. In two cases, it was observed that the motricity maintenance and the patients' ability to move their fingers when requested allowed the success of the surgical procedure after the third intraoperative evaluation. Conclusion: This case series shows that it is possible to maintain the motor function of the hand flexor and extensor muscles to perform finger trigger surgeries using specific ultrasound-guided distal blocks.

Resumo Justificativa: A capacidade de um paciente mover os dedos durante a cirurgia da mão pode ser útil para o cirurgião porque permite a avaliação da eficácia da intervenção e a predição da função da mão no pós-operatório. O objetivo desta série de casos é demonstrar a eficácia de uma técnica de bloqueio de nervo periférico guiado por ultrassom na manutenção da função motora dos músculos flexores e extensores da mão e discutir os benefícios da técnica para cirurgias de liberação de dedo em gatilho. Relato de caso: Foram selecionados 10 pacientes em programação para cirurgia de liberação de dedo em gatilho. O objetivo era manter a flexão e a extensão dos dedos durante o procedimento. Dessa forma, o bloqueio dos nervos ulnar, radial e mediano, guiados por ultrassom, foi feito no terço distal do antebraço, 5 a 7 cm proximais ao punho. O bloqueio foi feito com 5 mL de bupivacaína a 0,375% em cada nervo. Todos os procedimentos foram feitos sem complicações e com manutenção da flexão e extensão dos dedos. Em dois casos, observou-se que a manutenção da motricidade e a capacidade dos pacientes de mover os dedos quando solicitado permitiu o sucesso do procedimento cirúrgico após a terceira avaliação intraoperatória. Conclusão: Esta série de casos mostra que é possível manter a função motora dos músculos flexores e extensores da mão em cirurgias de liberação de dedo em gatilho por meio de bloqueios distais específicos guiados por ultrassom.

Ultrasound-guided needle-knife for trigger finger / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle-knife with precise three-dimensional stereotactic localization of points for stenosing tenosynovitis of flexor tendon (trigger finger).@*METHODS@#A total of 74 patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 37 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with ultrasound-guided intrathecal injection and releasing method of needle-knife, while the patients in the control group were treated with ultrasound-guided intrathecal injection. The self-made 9-score scale of trigger finger was recorded before treatment, immediately after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment; the curative effect of the two groups was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The results of self-made 9-score scale in the observation group immediately after treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment were lower than that before treatment (all <0.01); the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at each time point after treatment (all <0.01). The excellent and good rate immediately after treatment was 100.0% (37/37) in the observation group, which was superior to 8.1% (3/37) in the control group (<0.05); the cured rates in the observation group were 100.0% (37/37) 1 month after treatment and 97.3% (36/37) 3 months after treatment, which were superior to 13.5% (5/37) and 10.8% (4/37) in the control group, respectively (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The needle-knife with three-dimensional stereotaxic location of point could significantly improve the symptoms of trigger finger, with superior immediate and long-term efficacy.

The efficacy of local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of trigger finger

Background and Objectives: Trigger finger is a condition that causes triggering, snapping or locking on flexion of the involved digit. Treatment modalities are conservative (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, splints or corticosteroid injections) or operative (percutaneous or open release of A1 pulley- the first annular pulley of the fibro-osseous sheath of the fingers situated at the level of the metacarpophalengeal joint). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid injection for trigger finger in adults.Material and Methods: Fifty patients with 54 trigger digits were treated by one or two injections of methylprednisolone acetate with 1% lignocaine. Patients were followed-up for a period of 6 months.Results: Symptoms and signs resolved in 79.63% of the injected digits. Local adverse reactions to steroid injection- pain at the injection site and steroid flare were self-limiting. There was no tendon rupture or post-injection infection.Conclusion: The study concludes that steroid injection is an effective first line treatment for trigger finger in most patients.

Morphometric study of pulleys of the thumb / 대한해부학회지

Pulleys are thickened regions in flexor tendons sheaths of the digits. They are essential and act as fulcrum for the flexion and extension of the digits. The arrangement and number of pulley system differs greatly between the thumb and other digits. There is paucity of literature regarding the pulley system of thumb. We aimed to study the morphometry of the pulley system of the thumb in Indian cadavers. Dissection was carried out in 55 adult human cadaveric thumbs. The most common morphologic pattern of pulley observed in the thumb is type III (30 thumbs). The least observed is type I (4 thumbs). The mean width and standard deviation of A1, Av, oblique, and A2 pulleys are 5.06±0.87, 5.38±1.22, 4.68±1.13, and 6.04±1.41 mm, respectively. The gap distances between the pulleys were also measured. The results obtained from the present study may be helpful in surgical treatment of trigger thumb with less complication and also in reconstruction of the closed rupture of the pulley of the thumb.

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.

Treatment of trigger finger with located needle knife / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effects of located needle knife in the treatment of trigger finger.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 133 patients(145 fingers) with trigger finger underwent treatment with located needle knife from September 2010 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 37 males(40 fingers) and 96 females (105 fingers), aged from 18 to 71 years old with a mean of 51.8 years. Course of disease was from 1 to 19 months with an average of 8.2 months. Affected fingers included 82 thumbs, 12 index fingers, 11 middle fingers, 36 ring fingers, and 4 little fingers. According to the standard of Quinnell grade, 42 fingers were grade III, 92 fingers were grade IV, and 11 fingers were grade V. Firstly the double pipe gab was put into the distal edge of hypertrophic tendon sheath, then small knife needle was used to release the sheath proximally along the tendon line direction. The informations of wound healing and nerve injury, postoperative finger function, finger pain at 6 months were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operation time was from 8 to 25 min with an average of 9.8 min. All the patients were followed up from 6 to 26 months with an average of 12.5 months. No complications such as the wound inflammation and seepage, vascular or nerve injuries were found. According to the standard of Quinnell grade, 123 fingers got excellent results, 15 good, 7 poor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It's a good choice to treat trigger finger with located needle knife in advantage of minimal invasion, simple safe operation, and it should be promoted in clinic.</p>

Trigger Finger of a Distal A2 Pulley

Trigger finger commonly occurs in A1 pulley. However, there have been occasional reports of proximal or distal A2 pulley and A3 pulley at other sites. Especially, trigger finger that occurs in A2 pulley is usually due to thickening of flexor tendon. Flexor tendon plasty surgery or A2 pulley partial release are well known treatments of A2 pulley trigger finger. We conducted pulley lengthening of the A2 pulley to a 62-year-old man who has trigger finger occurring in distal portion of the A2 pulley, and we report about this with good results obtained.

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.