Prospective randomized trial of open versus percutaneous surgery for trigger digits

Various methods for the treatment of trigger digits exist. This study was d esigned to compare the results of an open surgical technique with those of a percutaneous surgical technique for the treatment of trigger digits. Nine ty-six patients with 100 trigger digits were randomized to either open (n = 46) or percutaneous (n = 54) surgical release of the first annular pulley. Operation time, duration of postoperative pain, recovery of motor function , and surgical complications were assessed. Trigger digits were successfull y treated in 98% of the cases using the open surgical technique and in 100% of the cases using the percutaneous technique. Mean operation time was sig nificantely longer using the open technique. Mean duration of postoperative pain and time to recovery of motor function were significantely shorter fo r patients treated with the percutaneous method. No serious complications w ere observed in either group. We conclude that percutaneous correction of t rigger digits is a quicker procedure, is less painful, and shows significan tly better results in rehabilitation than open surgery. Copyright (C) 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.