Percutaneous vs. Open A-1 Pulley Release Surgery for Trigger Digit
Percutaneous A-1 Pulley Release
(regularly performed by Dr. Ichtertz)
This image depicts the needle needed to puncture the skin and release the A-1 pulley. This procedure may be performed the day of the patient's consultation.
This image depicts the small puncture wound after surgery is completed. The patient may return to work the same day with a Band-Aid covering the puncture wound.
Open A-1 Pulley Release
(The only option provided by many other surgeons)
This image depicts the incision needed to perform the open A-1 release. Note that the tendon sheath is still intact.
This image depicts the tendon sheath after it has been released. The forceps are showing how thick the sheath was over the tendon.