The so-called congenital trigger digit: further experience.


Published online: Sep 27 1998

L De Smet, A Steenwerckx, and H Van Ransbeeck.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, U.Z. Pellenberg, Lubbeek, Belgium.

Abstract

The authors reviewed 53 patients with 70 congenital trigger digits. Three of these were seen at an early age. Most "congenital" trigger digits present later than the neonatal period. A clear difference exists between trigger thumbs and trigger fingers. In our series, thumbs were more frequently affected, 30% were bilateral and none resolved spontaneously. The long fingers were less frequently affected, and two of them (28%) recovered without operation. All other children had an operative release of the A1 pulley of the flexor tendon sheath, with excellent results.