Short-term Versus Long-term Outcomes After Open or Percutaneous Release for Trigger Thumb

Good outcomes have been reported after both open and percutaneous surgery to release trigger thumb. This study evaluated short-term and long-term outcomes after treatment of trigger thumb with open or percutaneous release. A total of 126 trigger thumbs in 107 patients were reviewed from 2009 to 2012. Short-term (3 months) and long-term results (2 years) and complications of open release (58 digits) and percutaneous release (68 digits) were recorded and compared. Short-term complications included pain occurring in 9 digits (15.5%) in the open release group and in 2 digits (2.9%) in the percutaneous release group and scarring in 4 digits (6.9%) only in the open release group. Long-term complications included pain in 13 digits (19.1%) in the percutaneous release group and in 4 digits (6.9%) in the open release group; in addition, recurrent triggering occurred in 6 digits (8.8%) in the percutaneous release group and in 2 digits (3.4%) in the open release group. Pain and patient satisfaction were significantly better in the percutaneous release group in the short term, but they were better in the open release group in the long term. Although percutaneous release for trigger thumb is a safe and quick procedure, with good short-term outcomes, open release may provide better long-term outcomes.