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. 2022 Oct;172(13-14):294-295.
doi: 10.1007/s10354-021-00860-8. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Splinting for the treatment of pediatric trigger thumbs: a pilot study

Sebastian Farr  1 , Doris Taurok  2
Affiliations

Splinting for the treatment of pediatric trigger thumbs: a pilot study

Sebastian Farr et al. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Controversy still exists whether conservative treatment may be a useful option for the treatment of pediatric trigger thumbs. We reviewed a random sample patient cohort with regard to success rates depending on whether flexible or fixed trigger thumbs were present. We performed a pilot study of 13 children (15 thumbs), who received a standardized treatment protocol including a custom-made thermoplastic splint for use during sleeping hours for a minimum of 3 months. Splinting was of only minor value for moderate and severe cases was but was beneficial for the majority of patients showing triggering symptoms only. It may thus be a reasonable option to delay surgery in infants with mild/flexible cases.

Keywords: Conservative treatment; Flexion contracture; Nonoperative treatment; Pediatric trigger thumb; Splinting.

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