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Trigger thumb release

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Triggering of digits (stenosing tenovaginitis) is most common in women between 50-60 years of age. The thumb and ring fingers are the most commonly effected digits with the right hand more commonly effected than the left.

Most cases are idiopathic although certain factors such as repeated power gripping or trauma may be causative. (This section does not discuss congenital trigger thumb which has a different pathology and treatment pathway). Medical conditions such as diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis have also be implicated in the development of the condition.

The issue occurs at the A1 pulley  due to narrowing of the flexor sheath or bulging or of the tendon causing pain and restriction in movement. The pathological process which occurs at the A1 pulley is an evolution from dense compact parallel collagenous bundles to an irregular patter of fibrous tissue with chondroid metaplasia of the pulley with deposition of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and proteoglycans.

On the palmar aspect of the thumb there are 3 main flexion creases. These are the crease of the IPJ and a proximal and distal crease over the MCPJ which are spaced around 5-10mm apart. The A1 pulley of the thumb is consistently at the level of the proximal most of the two MCPJ creases.

Open release of the A1 pulley is a procedure usually performed for recurrent of persistent triggering refractory to non-operative treatment. The procedure can be performed as a day case under local anaesthetic and takes around 15mins for an experienced surgeon. The patient has a simple dressing and is asked to mobilise as able as does not usually require any hand therapy input. After 3-6 weeks the scar softens and full use of the hand, including tight gripping, is possible.

Author: Mr Mark Brewster FRCS (Tr & Orth)

Institution: The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

In the USA contact: fda.gov
In the UK contact: gov.uk
In the EU contact: ema.europa.eu

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