Trigger Finger Treatment by Ulnar Superficialis Slip Resection (U.S.S.R.)

Abstract

Surgical release of the A1 pulley for treatment of trigger finger normally produces excellent results. However, in patients with long-standing disease, there may be a persistent fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This is sometimes due to a degenerative thickening of the flexor tendons and may be treated by resection of the ulnar slip of flexor digitorum superficialis tendon. One hundred seventy-two patients (228 fingers) who had undergone this procedure were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 66 months. Mean pre-operative fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 33°. All but eight fingers were improved by surgery and there was an average gain of 26° in passive extension (7° residual fixed flexion deformity) of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Full extension was attained in 141 of the 228 fingers, and in all 101 fingers with a pre-operative loss of passive extension of 30° or less. This technique is indicated for patients with loss of passive extension in the proximal interphalangeal joint and a long history of triggering.