Abstract

Introduction: The initial treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis is usually conservative. When there is no good response, it must be resolved by surgically releasing the A1 pulley, traditionally with open release (OR). However, there is the alternative of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release (UPAR), which has shown similar results. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and costs of UPAR compared to OR at our center. Method: A retrospective study was carried out in patients undergoing UPAR. Information on pain scale, mechanical symptoms (Quinnell grades), and disability (QuickDASH) was obtained before and after the procedure. The costs of UPAR and OR alternatives were evaluated. Results: A statistically significant improvement in pain, mechanical symptoms and disability was observed after the procedure. No complications were reported. UPAR was found to be 63% less expensive than the most economical OR alternative. Conclusion: UPAR is a safe and effective alternative to treat “trigger finger or thumb”, with low costs and a shorter recovery period compared to OR. UPAR should be considered as the initial treatment when other options have not been successful.