Purpose: With variable and conflicting results to date, it remains unclear whether the percutaneous or open surgical A1 pulley release technique is superior regarding safety and efficacy. The goal of this meta-analysis was to compare the two techniques.
Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (pages 1-20) were searched through August 2023. Eight randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis.
Results: Of the eight included studies and 548 total patients, there were 278 subjects in the percutaneous release group and 270 subjects in the open release group. There was no significant difference between the two surgical techniques in postoperative rates of revision, complications, or pain.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no significant difference between open and percutaneous techniques regarding the need for revision procedures, complications, or postoperative pain. Therefore, both open and percutaneous releases are appropriate.
Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic I.
Keywords: Orthopedic; percutaneous; surgery; trigger finger.
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