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Study of Open and Percutaneous Release of Acquired Trigger Thumb

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Trigger Thumb
Interventions
Procedure: Percutaneous Release Group
Procedure: Open Release Group
Registration Number
NCT03679793
Lead Sponsor
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Brief Summary

Trigger finger, also known as trigger digit or stenosing tenovaginitis, is caused by a size mismatch between the flexor tendon and the A1 pulley, which is generally characterized by pain, swelling, the limitation of finger range of motion and a symptomatic locking or clicking sensation. Conservative treatment options include the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), physiotherapy, electrotherapy, splinting and corticosteroid injection but not always effective with regard to frequent recurrence. Open surgical release of the A1 pulley remains the gold standard of treating symptomatic trigger finger. While percutaneous release is a minimal invasive alternative and gaining popularity for the index, middle ring and little fingers, investigations for the surgical efficacy on thumb is few and far between. Investigators believe that a carefully conducted operation with proper positioning of the thumb, wide-awake approach and meticulous technique can achieve similar efficacy and safety in terms of possibly less intraoperative pain, imperceptible scar and early return to daily activities and routine work.

The hypothesis of this study is that by using a proper positioning of thumb, wide awake approach and meticulous technique in conducting percutaneous release of trigger thumb can achieve similar efficacy and safety compared to that of open release surgical method. Moreover, percutaneous release of trigger thumb can generate less intraoperative pain, imperceptible scar and promote early return to routine work.

Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate and compare the safety, effectiveness and outcome of percutaneous release versus traditional open release for trigger thumbs.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • Clinical diagnosis of trigger thumb with Green's staging graded 2-4
  • Patients were unresponsive to conservative treatments for more than 3 months (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, splinting, or injection of steroid)
Exclusion Criteria
  • With history in rheumatoid arthritis
  • Unable to give verbal or written consent.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Percutaneous Release GroupPercutaneous Release GroupPercutaneous release is a minimal invasive alternative surgical procedure
Open Release GroupOpen Release GroupOpen surgical release of the A1 pulley is the gold standard of treating symptomatic trigger finger.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Post-operative Kapandi scorePost-op Day 90

Kapandji score is a tool useful for assessing the opposition of the thumb, based on where on their hand the patient is able to touch with the tip of their thumb.

Post-operative pain at restPost-op Day 90

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain at rest (0=no pain, 10=greatest pain)

Total volume of local anaesthetics injectedIntra-operative

The total volume of local anaesthetics injected during operation

Post-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, including total, function, symptoms and workPost-op Day 90

The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire is a self-administered region-specific outcome instrument developed as a measure of self-rated upper-extremity disability and symptoms. The DASH consists mainly of a 30-item disability/symptom scale, scored 0 (no disability) to 100.

Pre-operative pain at restPre-opeartively

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain at rest (0=no pain, 10=greatest pain)

Duration of surgery (in minutes)Intra-operative

The time (in minutes) needed for operation

Surgical site painIntra-operative

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain at surgical site (0=no pain and 10=greatest pain)

Active and passive range of motion (ROM) of interphalangeal joint (IPJ) and metacarpal-phalangeal joint (MPJ)Post-op Day 90

Active and passive ROM of IPJ and MPJ was measured post-operatively to determine the joint stiffness

Pre-operative Kapandji scorePre-operative

Kapandji score is a tool useful for assessing the opposition of the thumb, based on where on their hand the patient is able to touch with the tip of their thumb.

Pre-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, including total, function, symptoms and workPre-operative

The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire is a self-administered region-specific outcome instrument developed as a measure of self-rated upper-extremity disability and symptoms. The DASH consists mainly of a 30-item disability/symptom scale, scored 0 (no disability) to 100.

Pre-operative pain on exertionPre-operative

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain on exertion (0=no pain, 10=greatest pain)

Post-operative pain on exertionPost-op Day 90

Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain on exertion (0=no pain, 10=greatest pain)

Satisfaction level after surgeryPost-op Day 91

Subjects' satisfaction was evaluated (1=totally not satisfied; 10=totally satisfied) after surgery

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

🇭🇰

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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