Serial Ultrasound Evaluation of Pediatric Trigger Thumb

Autor: Kelly L. Vanderhave, Michael A. DiPietro, Clifford L. Craig, Jeffrey Crawford, Maneesh Verma, Michelle S. Caird, Frances A. Farley
Rok vydání: 2013
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 33:309-313
ISSN: 0271-6798
DOI: 10.1097/bpo.0b013e318287f728
Popis: BACKGROUND:: The etiology of pediatric trigger thumb is unknown, although ultrasound in adults has shown thickening of the A1 pulley leading to constriction of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon. The purpose of this study is to characterize the underlying cause of the pediatric trigger thumb and factors responsible for resolution utilizing sonography. METHODS:: A prospective analysis of children with trigger thumbs was conducted from May 2008 through June 2010. All children were initially treated with splinting. Surgical release of the A1 pulley was performed at the family's request. Bilateral dynamic ultrasonography was performed at presentation and follow-up until resolution of triggering. Ultrasound images were evaluated for tendon gliding, echotexture, cross-sectional area, and anatomic variations. RESULTS:: There were 35 trigger thumbs in 28 patients. Ten thumbs resolved spontaneously. Eight patients (9 thumbs) underwent surgical release of the A1 pulley. One child who underwent bilateral release achieved only unilateral resolution. Ultrasound imaging of all 56 thumbs demonstrated normal echotexture of the FPL without evidence of inflammation or trauma. Triggering always occurred at the A1 pulley, and there was focal enlargement of the FPL but no definite ultrasound abnormality of the A1 pulley. Surgical release allowed the thickened tendon to pass smoothly, which coincided with resolution of triggering. Two of 3 patients with unilateral triggering presenting with a trigger ratio (cross-sectional area of involved maxFPL to uninvolved FPL)
Databáze: OpenAIRE