Comparative clinical study of ultrasound-guided A1 pulley release vs open surgical intervention in the treatment of trigger finger

AIM To investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided release of the first annular pulley and compare results with the conventional open operative technique.METHODS In this prospective randomized, single-center, clinical study, 32 patients with trigger finger or trigger thumb, grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ according to Green classification system, were recruited. Two groups were formed; Group A(16 patients) was treated with an ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of the affected A1 pulley under local anesthesia. Group B(16 patients) underwent an open surgical release of the A1 pul ey, through a 10-15 mm incision. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively(follow-up:2,4 and 12 wk) by physicians blinded to the procedures. Treatment of triggering(primary variable of interest) was expressed as the "success rate" per digit. The time for taking postoperative pain killers, range of motion recovery, QuickD ASH test scores(Greek version), return to normal activities(including work), complications and cosmetic results were assessed.RESULTS The success rate in group A was 93.75%(15/16) and in group B 100%(16/16). Mean times in group A patients were 3.5 d for taking pain killers, 4.1 d for returning to normal activities, and 7.2 and 3.9 d for complete extension and flexion recovery, respectively. Mean Quick DASH scores in group A were 45.5 preoperatively and, 7.5, 0.5 and 0 after 2, 4, and 12 wk postoperatively. Mean times in group B patients were 2.9 d for taking pain killers, 17.8 d for returning to normal activities, and 5.6 and 3 d for complete extension and flexion recovery. Mean QuickD ASH scores in group B were 43.2 preoperatively and, 8.2, 1.3 and 0 after 2, 4, and 12 wk postoperatively. The cosmetic results found excellent or good in 87.5%(14/16) of group A patients, while in 56.25%(9/16) of group B patients were evaluated as fair or poor.CONCLUSION Treatment of the trigger finger using ultrasonography resulted in fewer absence of work days, and better cosmetic results, in comparison with the open surgery technique. It is a promising method that represents excellent results without major complications, so that it could be possibly be established as a first-line treatment in the trigger finger's disease.

Cemented Müller straight stem total hip replacement:18 year survival,clinical and radiological outcomes

AIM: To present the 18 year survival and the clinical and radiological outcomes of the Müller straight stem, cemented, total hip arthroplasty(THA).METHODS: Between 1989 and 2007, 176 primary total hip arthroplasties in 164 consecutive patients were performed in our institution by the senior author. All patients received a Müller cemented straight stem and a cemented polyethylene liner. The mean age of the patients was 62 years(45-78). The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 151 hips, dysplasia of the hip in 12 and subcapital fracture of the femur in 13. Following discharge, serial follow-up consisted of clinical evaluation based on the Harris Hip Score and radiological assessment. The survival of the prosthesis using revision for any reason as an end-point was calculated by KaplanMeier analysis.RESULTS: Twenty-four(15%) patients died during the follow-up study, 6(4%) patients were lost, while the remaining 134 patients(141 hips) were followedup for a mean of 10 years(3-18 years). HSS score at the latest follow-up revealed that 84 hips(59.5%) had excellent results, 30(22.2%) good, 11(7.8%) fair and 9(6.3%) poor. There were 3 acetabular revisions due to aseptic loosening. Six(4.2%) stems were diagnosed as having radiographic definitive loosening; however, only 1 was revised. 30% of the surviving stems showed no radiological changes of radiolucency, while 70% showed some changes. Survival of the prosthesis for any reason was 96% at 10 years and 81% at 18 years. CONCLUSION: The 18 year survival of the Müller straight stem, cemented THA is comparable to those of other successful cemented systems.