Open trigger finger release may be safely performed in the clinic setting
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Published results showed it may be safe to perform open trigger finger release in the clinic, with complication rates similar to those reported when open trigger finger release is performed in the OR.
“We believe that open trigger finger surgery performed in the office is safe because of its low postoperative infection rate,” the authors wrote. “Anecdotally, the office setting is usually preferred by patients because it is significantly less costly and more accessible than the operating room setting.”
Researchers retrospectively reviewed the charts of 514 patients who underwent 527 open trigger finger releases between 2015 and 2019 for evidence of postoperative complications, defined as signs or symptoms requiring further treatment. Researchers noted the same fellowship-trained hand surgeon performed each surgery using a standard open technique with an Esmarch tourniquet and without the use of epinephrine.
Results showed a complication rate of 6.3%, with the most common complications being minor wound complications, including 3.2% with localized cellulitis, 0.4% with superficial infection, 0.8% with stitch abscesses and 0.9% with wound dehiscence. Researchers noted all minor complications resolved quickly with oral antibiotics and supportive care. Among five patients who required further operative management, two had a deep infection, one had chronic dehiscence and two required flexor tenosynovectomy for persistent pain and stiffness, according to results.
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