Ultrasound-guided trigger finger release with a minimally invasive knife: A retrospective analysis of 297 releases

Abstract

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenovaginitis, is a common condition characterized by impaired flexor tendon sliding due to thickening of the A1 pulley. While open surgical release remains the gold standard for the treatment of persistent trigger finger, there is increasing interest in minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques to improve precision and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes, safety, and complications associated with ultrasound-guided trigger finger release using a minimally invasive surgical knife. We performed a retrospective analysis of 297 trigger finger releases performed on 238 patients between April 2021 and December 2023. All procedures were performed on the long fingers, excluding the thumb, using ultrasound guidance under WALANT or regional anesthesia. Patients were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively for symptom resolution, complications, and functional recovery. The procedure achieved a 100% success rate for complete release of the A1 pulley with no major complications or iatrogenic damage such as tendon or neurovascular injury. Minor complications, such as temporary postoperative loss of motion or localized pain, occurred in 33 cases (11.1%) and all resolved with conservative management by the three-month follow-up. Importantly, only one procedure required conversion to open surgery due to intraoperative uncertainty, where full release was confirmed. Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive trigger finger release is a safe and effective technique. It provides precise release with a low risk of complications or iatrogenic damage. As ultrasound technology advances and availability increases, this technique has the potential to become a reliable and patient-friendly alternative to classic open methods.

Keywords: Minimally invasive; Stenosing tenovaginitis; Trigger finger; Ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided surgery.