title: Anatomic outcome of percutaneous release among patients with trigger finger.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the adequacy and safety of percutaneous trigger finger release on symptomatic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two orthopedic non-hand surgeons performed percutaneous A1 pulley release on the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers with the use of a 19-gauge needle in 25 fingers of 24 patients. Open inspection was then performed to determine the extent of release and any injury to the surrounding anatomic structures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Triggering was eliminated in all fingers. Of the 25 A1 pulleys, 19 were partially released; only 6 were completely released. Noted injury included only superficial abrasions in 15 tendons. None of the patients had injury to the digital artery or nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the percutaneous release of trigger fingers, complete anatomic release of the A1 pulley is not always adequately achieved, even though clinically patients experience relief of triggering. It is a safe procedure for the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers as long as the recommended technique is observed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines. henmd111@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Calleja
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tanchuling
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alagar
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tapia
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macalalad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D052582:Trigger Finger Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*