Precise ultrasound-guided procedures to treat injuries and conditions with effectiveness and safety.
Trigger Finger, also known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis, is a painful condition in which the flexor tendon becomes trapped at the level of the A1 pulley, located at the base of the affected finger. This causes difficulty moving the finger, intermittent locking, or even permanent flexion of the finger. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous trigger finger release** is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively and safely treats this condition without the need for open surgery.
Keywords: Trigger Finger; Stenosing Tenosynovitis; Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Release; Trigger Finger Treatment; Minimally Invasive Procedure.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous trigger finger release involves dividing the A1 pulley—the structure responsible for the tendon entrapment—using a fine-gauge needle under real-time ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound enables precise visualization of the A1 pulley, the flexor tendon, and the adjacent neurovascular structures, ensuring maximum safety and accuracy throughout the procedure. No surgical incisions, sutures, or general anesthesia are required.
São candidatos a este tratamento os doentes com dedo em gatilho clinicamente confirmado, com dor, bloqueio ou limitação funcional persistentes, que não responderam adequadamente ao tratamento conservador (repouso, anti-inflamatórios, fisioterapia ou infiltração corticosteroide). Uma avaliação clínica e ecográfica cuidadosa é essencial para confirmar o diagnóstico e a indicação.
If you suffer from trigger finger, consider scheduling a consultation for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of the treatment options available. Your recovery, hand function, and quality of life are our highest priorities.
Everything You Need to Know
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which the flexor tendon becomes trapped as it passes through the A1 pulley at the base of the finger. It is characterized by pain, a clicking or snapping sensation during finger movement, and, in more advanced cases, locking of the finger in a flexed position, which may become permanent if left untreated.
It is a minimally invasive procedure in which the A1 pulley, responsible for the tendon entrapment, is released using a fine needle under real-time ultrasound guidance. The procedure requires no surgical incision, sutures, or general anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it generally very well tolerated. Mild discomfort may occur during the first few days after the procedure, but it is usually well controlled with simple pain medication.
Real-time ultrasound guidance enables precise visualization of the flexor tendon, the A1 pulley, and the surrounding neurovascular structures—including the digital nerves and arteries—making the procedure safer and more accurate than the traditional blind percutaneous technique.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous trigger finger release is recommended for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms of trigger finger that have not responded to conservative treatment, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, or local corticosteroid injection. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to confirm that the procedure is appropriate for each patient.
Recovery is typically rapid. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within a few days. Early finger movement is encouraged, as it helps promote optimal functional recovery and improves overall outcomes.
Recurrence rates following ultrasound-guided percutaneous trigger finger release are low. In rare or more advanced cases, additional treatment may be required. Clinical follow-up after the procedure allows recovery to be monitored and, if necessary, enables early intervention.
Any finger can be affected and treated, including the thumb, a condition commonly referred to as trigger thumb. An individualized clinical assessment is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.
