Ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of pulley in trigger finger: A curved needle technique

Abstract

Thickened A1 pulley is the most common cause of trigger finger. The patient complains of snapping and locking of finger like a trigger as the gliding of the flexor tendon become harder through the thickened pulley during flexion and superadded development of nodule on the surface of the tendon proximal to pulley. In severe cases or failed conservative/steroid injection cases, real-time percutaneous release of pulley under ultrasound (US) guidance can be considered. The percutaneous pulley release is a minimally invasive procedure compared to open surgical release and more accurate than blind percutaneous release with overall minimal complications. The US-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release has been described in the literature and done by knife, straight needles, and acutely bent needles with variable results. We describe the curved needle technique of percutaneous pulley release. The curved needle technique for US-guided A1 pulley release is novel and has the advantage of easy maneuverability over acutely bent needle and minimal chances of complications. The cutting edge of the curved needle scores through the thickened pulley with effective release and easy maneuverability.