SURGICAL TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TRIGGER THUMB AND FINGER

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment and rehabilitation of patients with trigger thumb and finger. In 40 patients, comprising 30 women and 10 men aged 26 to 64, a total of 42 cases of trigger thumb and finger. In the preoperative period, the severity of changes were studied according to the classification developed by Newport et al. Five patients were classified in the first stage, 28 in the second, 6 in the third, and 1 in the fourth. The mean duration of symptoms was five months. The indication for surgery was a lack of improvement following conservative treatment. All of the patients were treated surgically using the open method by cutting the flexor tendon sheath in part A1. The rehabilitation treatment included exercises to improve the range of mobility of the thumb and fingers and to stretch, grelax, and strengthen muscles. Neuromobilisation and automobilisation exercises were conducted. After 5 months, swelling, pain and restricted mobility of the thumb and fingers subsided in all patients. There were no ‘jumping’ symptoms. Apart from a slight transitory inflammatory reaction in 2 patients there were no complications. In patients with trigger finger, open surgery and competent rehabilitation therapy enables the achievement of very good results, with a low complication rate