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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 9/2009

01-09-2009 | Musculoskeletal

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of the annular pulley in trigger digit

Authors: Gajan Rajeswaran, Justin C. Lee, Rupert Eckersley, Effie Katsarma, Jeremiah C. Healy

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2009

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate a new technique for ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of the annular pulley in trigger digit using a modified hypodermic needle. A total of 35 ultrasound-guided percutaneous releases were performed on 25 patients diagnosed and referred by hand surgeons in our institution over 16 months from October 2006. Inclusion criteria were as follows: adulthood, triggering present for at least 4 months, failure to respond to conservative management or steroid injections, no previous history of pulley release in the affected digit. Under ultrasound guidance, the affected pulley was released using a standard 19-gauge hypodermic needle bent at two points as the cutting device. Follow-up took place at 12 weeks and 6 months with improvement in triggering and clinically graded pain. At follow-up, no complications had occurred and all patients demonstrated improvement in their triggering, with complete resolution in 32 digits (91%), good improvement in 2 digits (6%) and some improvement in 1 digit (3%). This new technique uses a widely available and safe cutting device and is safe and can be used to provide definitive management for trigger finger, allowing the procedure to be performed in a variety of clinical settings.
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Metadata
Title
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of the annular pulley in trigger digit
Authors
Gajan Rajeswaran
Justin C. Lee
Rupert Eckersley
Effie Katsarma
Jeremiah C. Healy
Publication date
01-09-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 9/2009
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1397-3

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