Retrograde Percutaneous Release of Trigger Finger or Thumb Using Sono-Instruments®: Detailed Technique, Pearls, and Pitfalls

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 1; p. e52911
• Main Authors: Moungondo, Fabian, Van Ovestraeten, Luc, Boushnak, Mohammad O, Schuind, Frédéric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 25-01-2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Anatomy; Design; Diabetes; Fingers & toes; Iatrogenesis; Knives; Orthopedics; Radiology; Surgeons; Tendons; Ultrasonic imaging; sono-instrument; diabetic patients; outpatient clinic; percutaneous trigger finger release; percutaneous surgery
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52911

Percutaneous release is a common treatment option for trigger finger stenosing tenosynovitis. While surgical and conservative treatments are available, percutaneous techniques offer several advantages, including faster recovery time, reduced complications, and simultaneous treatment of multiple trigger fingers. The sono-instrument is a minimally invasive device designed for surgical release of the A1 pulley in adults. The device is efficient and safe, and in addition, several design features enhance the visibility of the instrument under ultrasound imaging. The technique is truly percutaneous, as the whole operation is done through a single needle puncture. This minimizes postoperative discomfort and allows an immediate return to daily living and professional activities. The technique can be performed in an outpatient clinic under local anesthesia. The learning curve is quick; however, surgeons must acquire experience in hand sonography to master this new form of surgery. The aim of this article is to provide an in-depth exposition of the technical nuances, pearls, and pitfalls of this novel retrograde percutaneous release method. To our knowledge, this is the first retrograde truly percutaneous release technique yet described, facilitated by the novel Sono-Instruments®.