Sonographically assisted minimally invasive release (interventional microadhesiolysis) of the A1 pulley to treat trigger digit |
Kang Ahn, Hyung Joon Jhun, Sang Chul Lee, Young Jin Lee, Eun Ha Kim, Tae Kyun Lim, Se Yeon Oh |
1Chronic Pain Management Center, Cha Biomedical Center, Kangnam Cha Hospital, Cha University, Seoul, Korea. 2Musculoskeletal Clinic, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Korea. occenvned@yahoo.co.kr 3Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND We developed a sonographically assisted minimally invasive release technique (entitled as interventional microadhesiolysis) of the A1 pulley to treat trigger digit. This paper introduces the procedure and evaluates the efficacy of the intervention for trigger digit. METHODS Eleven trigger digits in nine patients were treated with a specially designed needle using ultrasonographic assistance. The technique includes subcutaneous and intrasheath release. Subcutaneous release was performed by obliquely inserting the needle into the interdigital space and advancing it to release the subcutaneous tissue overlying the affected area. If the A1 pulley was not completely released, intrasheath release was performed by advancing the needle into the flexor tendon sheath, and the operator fixed the needle while the digit was passively flexed and extended. RESULTS After the patients underwent the technique, all of the patients reported a reduction in pain and improved range of motion. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that interventional microadhesiolysis is an effective treatment for trigger digit. |
Key Words:
intervention, trigger digit, ultrasonography |
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