Complications of Percutaneous Release of the Trigger Finger

Abstract

Aim: Trigger finger is a common cause of hand pain and dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate retrospectively short and long-term outcomes of patients with trigger fingers who underwent percutaneous release operations. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients who underwent percutaneous release of the trigger finger were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated for digital nerve injury (hypoesthesia), recurrence, painful scar, and tendon rupture. Results: The patients' median age was 54 years (minimum 32 years-maximum 63 years). Hypoesthesia was most frequently seen at the first and fourth fingers. At the end of the first year, one patient developed tendon rupture (fourth finger). Recurrences were seen at the end of the first (n=5) and third (n=9) years. Recurrence was mostly seen in the fourth finger, followed by the third finger. Painful scars were observed in two patients. Conclusion: Percutaneous release is a blindly performed intervention and the emergence of unexpected complications should not be forgotten.