Percutaneous needle release more cost-effective alternative to traditional open surgery for trigger finger: study

Written By : Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-12-07T20:30:37+05:30 | Updated On 7 Dec 2025 8:30 PM IST

Trigger finger, a common condition caused by flexor tendon compression in adults, often requires surgical release when conservative treatment fails. Oğuzhan Gökalp et al retrospectively compared the outcomes and costs of percutaneous needle release and traditional open release to treat trigger fingers.

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing trigger finger surgery was conducted (n = 92). The patients were divided into two groups: open surgery (n = 43) and percutaneous release (n = 49). Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Gilbert questionnaire (failure, complications, and satisfaction), and functional outcomes were measured using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. The cost analysis was based on social security billing.

The key findings of the study were:

• The mean quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores are 10 ± 5.7 for the percutaneous group and 10.4 ± 5.7 for the open surgery group (p = 0.69).

• Finger stiff ness was reported in 2% of the percutaneous group and 30% of the open surgery group (p = 0.03), whereas scarring was observed in 0% of the percutaneous group and 23% of the open surgery group (p < 0.01).

• Returning to daily work was faster in the percutaneous group, with 67% resuming within a week compared to 0% in the open group (p < 0.01).

• The procedure costs averaged 156.3 ± 6.6 United States dollars for the percutaneous group and 182.9 ± 24.2 USD (United States dollars) for the open surgery group (p < 0.01).

The authors concluded – “This study demonstrated that both open and percutaneous surgical techniques are effective in treating trigger fingers. Percutaneous needle release appears to be a more cost-effective alternative to traditional open surgery for the trigger finger, with similar functional outcomes, faster recovery, fewer complications, and lower costs. However, open surgery remains a reliable, particularly in cases that require direct visualization, or in patients unsuitable for percutaneous techniques.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.