The results of surgical treatment of trigger finger

Abstract

A three-part retrospective study was undertaken to review the long-term results of surgical treatment of trigger finger. Seventy-five patients were identified by chart review. Fifty-nine of these were assessed by a telephone survey, with a mean follow-up period of 48 months (range, 6-70 months). Forty-six patients (78%) underwent follow-up physical examination. Surgical treatment was successful in all patients. Ninety-seven percent of patients had complete resolution of triggering, and the rest had significant improvement of symptoms. The recurrence rate was 3%, with only a single patient requiring reoperation. Complications were infrequent and resulted in minimal morbidity. No nerve injuries, tendon bowstringing, or ulnar deviation of the digits were observed. There were no wound infections. Although steroid injections should remain the initial remedy for most trigger fingers, surgical intervention is highly successful for conservative treatment failures and should be considered for patients desiring quick and definitive relief from this disability.