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Table of Contents
Dr. Gordon Introduction
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, S.B. Physics (1969-1973)
- University of California, Berkeley M.A Physics (1973-1978)
- Standford University, M.S. Mech. Engineering (1978-1979)
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, M.D. (1979-1983)
- Internship: General Surgery - Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center (1983-1984)
- Residency: General Surgery - Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center (1984-1987)
- Residency: Plastic Surgery - Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center (1987-1989)
- Fellowship: Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Colorado Health Science Center (1989-1990)
Clinical Interests:
(1) Microsurgical Reconstruction: Replantation, Development of Innovative transfers to resolve would coverage
(2) Hand Trauma: Surgical application, Rehabilitation following surgery
(3) Dupuytren's contractures
(4) Arthroscopy
(5) Swanson implant antroplastics
(6) Carpal tunnel and replantations
(7) Reconstruction of the residual of burn - hand/upper extremity
(8) Hand and bone disorders common to the dialysis population
(9) Animal bites (monkeys, dogs, cats etc.) on the human hand
(10) Analysis of electromyographic indicators for release of the entrapped median nerve
Pimp Questions
Why isn't the bovie working? Because we infiltrated with local and it's too wet.
After a surgical block, why does the patient feel like their arm is floating? Because they no longer have the sensation that it is resting on a surface, so the brain is tricked into thinking it is elevated. (It's not because the arm was elevated in the “last position” – that's ridiculous.
When releasing PIP contracture what is the order of structure release? Collateral ligaments before checkrein.
Operative Reports
Loupe magnification for ALL cases. Yes, even breast reductions.
Always collect culture data if there is pus expressed. (It will likely come back negative if antibiotics have already been given)
Hand
General Set Up for All Hand Cases:
tourniquet upper arm- with lots of webril unless stated otherwise
Draping
He will put on the stockinette and ask you to hold it.
1. mayostand on hand table (paper side down)
2. half of the extra large drape on hand table
3. blue towel wrapped around arm help by penetrating towel clamp
4. long sheet over patient - held in place by 4 non penetrating towel clamps
Carpal Tunnel Release
Operative Report:
After instillation of approximately 10 mL of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine at the level of the wrist as a median nerve block as well as infiltrating in the subcutaneous plane both proximal and distal to the volar wrist creases, the patient had her right hand and arm prepped and draped. Preoperative skin markings were designed as a 2 cm longitudinal incision along hypothenar creases at the level of the wrist. The hand and arm were then exsanguinated with the Ace wrap and the tourniquet on the forearm was inflated to 250 mmHg. Scalpel was then used to incise along the marked lines going down through the skin into subcutaneous tissues, whereafter the rest of the dissection was performed with loupe magnification using Littler scissors. Hemostasis was achieved in the subcutaneous plane with use of electrocautery at all points in time. Dissection then continued down to the level of the palmar fascia, which once identified was fully exposed. The palmar fascia was split then longitudinally along an axis between the palmaris longus tendon and the 4th metacarpal, and then dissection continued down to the level of the transverse carpal ligament. Once visualized, the transverse carpal ligament was incised for a small section in the central portion until a small entry had been made into the carpal canal. Using first a small uterine sound, followed by a small Freer elevator, the soft tissues from the underneath surface of the transverse carpal ligament were swept from the ulnar side to the radial side all the way going up into the forearm. Using the Aufricht retractor then, which was placed on top of the transverse carpal ligament going proximally up into the forearm. Attention were applied to this and then the Littler scissors were placed on the proximal edge of the transverse carpal ligament and used to divide the ligament going up into the forearm. After confirmation of a complete release of the transverse carpal ligament going proximally, the distal edge of transverse carpal ligament was visualized and then divided under direct vision going into the central palm. After verifying hemostasis, closure of the cutaneous wound was accomplished with several deep dermal sutures of 5-0 Vicryl, followed by interrupted 5-0 nylon sutures in the skin. Approximately 5 mL of 0.5% Marcaine without epinephrine was instilled beneath the wound edge with use of a plastic Angiocath for postoperative analgesia, and then dressings consisting of Xeroform, wet gauze, dry gauze, Kerlix bandage, followed by application of 4-inch plaster splint was then applied to patient's arm. Tourniquet was then released after a total of 27 minutes of inflation time.
Tourniquet: upper arm. Exsanguinate with ACE wrap. What does ACE stand for?
Drain: No
Sutures: 5-0 Vicryl deep dermal, 5-0 nylon sutures simple interupted
Dressing: Xeroform, wet gauze, dry gauze, Kerlix bandage
Anatomy: Pertinent anatomy should be listed
Learning points/Pimp Questions:
OR Tips: Local w/ sedation vs. Bier block. Forearm tourniquet w/ webril, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ 5-0 Vicryl, 5-0 Nylon, kerlix, short arm splint, 4” ace.
Pilar syndrome for post-CTR pain
Technical Steps:
-He will mark the incision.
-Uses Knife to cut until fat is seen, 2 ski hooks
-Bovie and smooth pickup to buzz vessels
-then he uses ragnels and sens and you use litler scissors to dissect down to transverse carpal ligament.
-start proximal, sweep ulnar–> radial with freer
-litler to push cut the proximal transverse carpal ligament
then distal- litler until Kaplan's line
USES VICRYL TO CLOSE DEEP DERMAL
then 5-0 nylon interrupted
Mucous Cyst Excision
Operative Report:
1. Excision of mucous cyst of right index finger.
After instillation of approximately 7 mL of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine at the base of the right index finger of the MCP joint as a digital block, the patient had her right hand and arm prepped and draped. Preoperative skin markings were designed as a 1 cm longitudinal incision directly over the mass extending from the DIP joints all the way down to the eponychial fold. The finger was then exsanguinated with a 1/4-inch Penrose drain, and simultaneously was wrapped at the base of the digit to act as a tourniquet for the procedure. The scalpel was then used to incise along the marked lines going down through the skin incision into the subcutaneous tissues, whereafter the rest of the dissection was performed with loupe magnification using Littler scissors. Gentle blunt dissection was performed, isolating the mucous cyst from the surrounding tissue, beginning proximally and working distally. The cyst itself was excised, and after achieving hemostasis, dissection progressed to the level of the DIP joint where a prominent osteophyte was then visualized and appeared to be in the area where the cyst was coming out. The Freer elevator was used to dissect the osteophyte from this point, and then the osteophyte was removed with a small rongeur. The closure the cutaneous wound was then accomplished with interrupted 5-0 nylon sutures in the skin. Dressings consisting of Xeroform, wet gauze, dry gauze, and a 2-inch Kling bandage incorporating an Alumafoam splint was also placed to the finger. Final Kerlix and Ace wrap were applied to the hand. An additional 4 mL of 0.5% Marcaine without epinephrine was instilled at the base of the digit to act as a prolonged postoperative analgesia. Tourniquet was then released after a total of 35 minutes of inflation time.
Tourniquet: Penrose drain wrapped around finger
Drain: none
Sutures: 5-0 nylon simples
Dressing: Xeroform, wet gauze, dry gauze, and a 2-inch Kling bandage
Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition
Special equipment: Bone anchor
Sutures: 2-0 fiber wire for tendon reconstruction, 5-0 nylon for skin closure
Notes: Removes trapezium whole. (ie. does not use rongeur unless a piece breaks)
Distal Radius - Dorsal Spanning Plate
Things to note are there is a template for the spanning plates so you can use this to first make sure that you'll be in the right spot. You're going to make three incisions, one over the metacarpals. You can choose a second or third Dr. Gordon prefers the third over the just the aspect of the distal radius and then a mid distal mid radius.
Things that you will encounter at the most distal incision - juncturiae tendinae. Takes the extensor tendons ulnarly.
Middle incision - Will encounter EPL… Make sure it is elevated so it's not crushed.
Proximal incision - May encounter APL which has a very big tendon with multiple sheaths.
The most proximal screws are a different size than the distal screws. The incisions were closed with 4-0 vicryl although he usually uses 5-0 vicryl, and a 5-O monocryl sub-cuticular layer.
Dressing: Benzoin, steri-strips, tegaderm, soft kerlix, splint.
CMC Trapeziectomy
OR Tips: Block w/ sedation. Upper arm tourniquet w/ webrill, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ 3-0/4-0 Monocryl, Steri strips, kerlix, Wrapped thumb spica splint, 4” ace.
Cubital Tunnel Release (Endoscopic)
Operative Report:
1. Cubital tunnel and Carpal Tunnel Release
After induction of general anesthesia by laryngeal mask, the patient had her left hand and arm prepped and draped. Preoperative skin marking was designed as a 6 cm incision at the elbow Based posterior to the medial epicondyle and following the course of the ulnar nerve. In addition, a 2 cm longitudinal incision along the hypothenar crease at the level of the wrist was also designed. The hand and arm were then exsanguinated with the Ace wrap, and the tourniquet on the upper arm was inflated to 250 mmHg. Scalpel was then used to incise at the level of the elbow along the marked lines going down through the skin into subcutaneous tissues. After achieving hemostasis in the subcutaneous plane with use of electrocautery, incision was carefully deepened down to identification of the ulnar nerve just proximal to the medial epicondyle. Once identified, the tissue over the ongoing ulnar nerve was opened up to give visual access to the ulnar nerve and then the fascia overlying the ulnar nerve was divided to a point approximately 8 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle. This included the thickened band of the fascia that appeared to be consistent with the arcade of Struthers. Dissecting distally, a relatively loose thickening of the fascia just posterior to the medial epicondyle was encountered and divided (Osborne ligament), and then notably thickened fascia over the 2 heads of the FCU was also encountered and divided. After freeing up the nerve over the entire course thus marked, a vessel loop was placed underneath the nerve and vessel proximal to the medial epicondyle. The nerve was elevated out of its bed carefully, making sure to maintain strict hemostasis at all points in time. After the nerve was elevated out of its bed this distance, the nerve was then elevated out of the bed going from this point distally between the 2 heads of the FCU. The skin and subcutaneous tissue were then elevated off the fascia of the medial epicondyle, creating a broad pocket for transposition of the ulnar nerve in this area. The ulnar nerve was then transposed freely into this location without any compression on the nerve, and then the skin flap was sutured back to the medial epicondyle with 3 horizontal mattress sutures of 4-0 Vicryl. After verification of hemostasis and checking the nerve to make sure that there was no kinking or any other problems with the nerve, attention was then turned to the wrist. The scalpel was used to incise at the level of the wrist along the marked lines going down through the skin into subcutaneous tissues. Again, hemostasis was achieved in the subcutaneous plane with use of electrocautery, and the incision was carefully deepened down to identification of the palmar fascia. Once the palmar fascia was divided along an axis between the palmaris longus tendon and the 4th metacarpal, dissection then continued deep down to the level of the transverse carpal ligament. Transverse carpal ligament was incised in the central portion until a small entry was made into the carpal canal. Then, first using the small uterine sound followed by a small Freer elevator, soft tissues from the underneath surface of the transverse carpal ligament going up into the forearm were swept from the ulnar side to the radial side to clear any attachments from the underneath surface of the transverse carpal ligament. Then with the Aufricht retractor placed up above the transverse carpal ligament, and traction being applied upward, the transverse carpal ligament was divided with Littler scissors going up into the forearm. After confirmation of complete release of the transverse carpal ligament going proximally, the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament was visualized and then divided going up into the central palm. Closure of the wrist incision was accomplished with several deep dermal sutures of 5-0 Vicryl, followed by interrupted 5-0 nylon sutures in the skin. Closure of the elbow incision was accomplished with multiple deep dermal sutures of 5-0 Vicryl, followed by running subcuticular 5-0 Monocryl suture in the skin. Approximately 10 mL of 0.5% Marcaine without epinephrine was instilled beneath the wound edge at the level of the elbow with a plastic angiocatheter for postoperative analgesia. Then, dressings consisting of benzoin, Steri-Strips, Tegaderm dressing, followed by Kerlix and an Ace wrap were applied. At the wrist, approximately 5 mL of 0.5% Marcaine was instilled beneath the wound edge with the use of a plastic angiocatheter for postoperative analgesia. Then, dressings consisting of Xeroform, wet gauze, dry gauze, Kerlix bandage, followed by application of a plaster splint was then applied. Tourniquet was then released after a total of 111 minutes of inflation time.
Photos
Tourniquet: finger / forearm / arm
Drain: Type of drain and placement
Sutures: List all layers
Dressing: What's preferred?
Anatomy: Pertinent anatomy should be listed
Post-operative care: Include restrictions, splints, etc…
Learning points/Pimp Questions:
OR Tips: LMA. Upper arm tourniquet w/ webril, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ 3-0/4-0 Monocryl, steristrips, kerlix, 4” ace.
Make sure you know all the compression points of the cubital tunnel.
DeQuervain’s Release
OR Tips: Local w/ sedation vs. Bier block. Forearm tourniquet w/ webrill, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ Monocryl, kerlix, short arm splint, 4” ace.
Distal Radius Fracture s/p ORIF
OR Tips: Block w/ sedation. Upper arm tourniquet w/ webrill, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ 5-0 Vicryl, 5-0 Nylon (Monocryl if younger or female), kerlix, short arm splint, 4” ace.
Dorsal/Volar Wrist Ganglion Excision
OR Tips: Local w/ sedation vs. Bier block. Forearm tourniquet w/ webrill, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/ 5-0 Vicryl, 5-0 Nylon, kerlix, short arm splint, 4” ace.
Metacarpal Fractures s/p ORIF
Operative Report:
Photos
Tourniquet: finger / forearm / arm
Drain: Type of drain and placement
Sutures: List all layers
Dressing: What's preferred?
Anatomy: Pertinent anatomy should be listed
Post-operative care: Include restrictions, splints, etc…
Learning points/Pimp Questions:
OR Tips: Block w/ sedation. Forearm tourniquet w/ webrill, tourniquet, 1000 drape. Prop arm on suction canister wrapped w/ blue drape packaging. Close w/Monocryl, kerlix, Forearm based intrinsic plus splint, 4” ace.
Plastics
Operative Report:
1. Bilateral Breast Reduction, Inferior Pedicle, Wise Pattern
Prior to bringing the patient into the operating room, the patient was placed into a standing position and the midline marking as well as the nipple lines were drawn out on both sides. The patient had standard Wise pattern drawn on both chests and these markings were tested multiple times to verify that they would be accurate markings to achieve a good breast reduction. The patient was noted to have a smaller breast on the left side, than on the right side. The patient was then brought to the operating room, placed on the operating table, and underwent induction of general anesthesia. The patient then had her chest and upper abdomen prepped and draped. The patient's preoperative skin markings were reinforced at that time, and then approximately 40 mL of 0.5% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine was infiltrated along the chest wall on both the right and left chest using spinal needles. The final breast markings were made on the patient with an inferior pedicle technique using about an 8 cm width to the pedicle. The nipples were marked out with a 40 mm diameter areola. A tourniquet was placed on the base of each breast and with stabilization, and deepithelialization of the pedicle was then performed with preservation of the nipple centrally. After achieving successful deepithelialization on both breasts, attention was then turned to the right breast where definition of the pedicle was then accomplished using electrocautery for continuous hemostasis. The pedicle on the right breast was defined by going straight down along the markings for the medial side first, and then the lateral side of the pedicle, and then finally joining them together over the cephalad tip of the pedicle. This dissection continued just down to the muscle fascia. At this point then, the superior Wise pattern markings were incised, and a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 cm of subcutaneous tissue was preserved against the skin flaps going cephalad medially and laterally down to the chest wall at the end of the breasts. The skin flaps were kept slightly thicker in the central medial portion directly above the pedicle of the breast. Lateral excavation was performed on the breast to thin out the tissues and fat in the axillary area. Final incision was then performed of the specimen, and the specimen was sent to pathology. An identical procedure was then performed on the left breast with similar findings and creation of the pedicle. After excision of the initial breast tissue, both specimens were weighed and there was a significantly greater amount of breast tissue that had been removed from the right breast than the left breast. While this was felt to be reasonable, given our expectation that the left breast was smaller than the right breast, the breast was temporarily tacked with the Wise pattern markings that had been cut, and the patient was placed into a sitting position to try to assess the size of the breasts. It appeared that the left wrist was now somewhat larger (because of the decreased amount of tissue that had been excised from the left side compared to the right side), and the patient was laid back down flat and additional breast tissue was taken from the left breast. At the same time, markings were made on both the right and the left breast to identify the lateral extent of the breast that was desired on the chest wall, and then tacking was done using 2-0 PDS sutures of Scarpa fascia of the breast laterally to the pectoralis fascia to define and prevent migration of the breast pedicle laterally. The patient was then sat up again and much improved symmetry was achieved with the additional excision of left breast tissue, but it was still felt that the left breast was somewhat larger than the right breast. The patient was laid back down again and final excision of breast tissue on the left side was performed with final excisions of 603 grams on the right side and 486 grams on the left side. The patient was felt to have good symmetry with acceptable skin closure without too severe tightness. Final tacking sutures of the lateral chest wall were then placed with 3 such sutures placed on the lateral chest on both sides. Then, 15-French Blake drains were placed exiting through the lateral chest wall area and sutured into position with 3-0 nylon sutures. Closure of the wounds on both sides was then accomplished with multiple deep dermal sutures along the inframammary fold as well as the vertical incision using 2-0 Vicryl sutures, spaced no more than 1 centimeter apart. This was then followed by running subcuticular closure of 4-0 Monocryl along both these incisions. The nipple that had been tacked to the superior end of the vertical incision was noted to be in good position on both breasts, and a cookie cutter was used to mark out a circular opening for the nipple on both sides. Serrated scissors were then used to cut along these lines, exposing the underlying tissue. Some fat from the superior end of the skin flap was then defatted to allow a more natural position for the nipple on both breasts, and then the nipple was sutured into position with approximately 8 deep dermal sutures circumferentially around the areola with 5-0 Vicryl sutures. This was then followed by a running 5-0 plain gut suture along the periphery of the areola. Dressings to the nipple on both sides was accomplished with Telfa just covering the nipple, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm. Dressings to both the vertical and inframammary incisions consisted of benzoin, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm dressings.
Photos
Tourniquet: finger / forearm / arm
Drain: Type of drain and placement
Sutures: List all layers
Dressing: What's preferred?
Anatomy: Pertinent anatomy should be listed
Post-operative care: Include restrictions, splints, etc…
Learning points/Pimp Questions:
Uses plastic template to mark patient.
Also folds a lot of blankets!
Panniculectomy
42-year-old black female, who has been evaluated in the plastic surgery clinic with morbid obesity, prior to undergoing gastric bypass surgery. After this, the patient lost 100 pounds and has maintained it for an extended period of time. The patient has been having difficulties with rashes at the lower portion of the abdomen, but also near the umbilicus, where the patient has a second pannus that was causing overlap of skin near the umbilicus. The patient was thought to be a candidate for panniculectomy, which would require also release of the pannus near the umbilicus and, hence, umbilical repositioning. The patient was accepting of the risks and benefits associated with this and is brought to the operating room today for this purpose.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: Prior to induction of general anesthesia, the patient was placed in a standing position in the preoperative area, where the infra pannus crease was marked out in the standing position, as was vertical limbs beginning at the midaxillary line and dividing each abdominal section into 4 parts, and finally at the midline. The patient was then placed in repose with the bed flexed to about 30 degrees. An estimation of total skin that could be removed, was then marked out in this manner. The patient was then brought to the operating room, where the patient was prepped and draped. After reinforcing the skin markings, an incision was made along the inferior fold underneath the pannus along the lower abdomen, extending all the way out, including lateral to the ASIS on both sides for at least 10 to 15 cm. Hemostasis was achieved in the subcutaneous plane with use of electrocautery, and the incisions were deepened all the way down to the abdominal wall. This was extended all the way out to the full length of the incision and then the abdominal skin was elevated off the abdominal wall using the electrocautery, going up to the marked lines. The umbilicus was then incised circumferentially, preserving what was thought to be an acceptable amount of umbilicus for final positioning. The dissection then continued down to the abdominal wall to preserving vascularity to the umbilicus. This was then connected with the abdominal skin flap, which was elevated for additional distance in the midline area to allow repositioning for the umbilicus. An estimation was made for the skin tension that would be necessary to close the abdomen with the markings had been made preoperatively and these were found to be excellent markings for the patient. As a result, a midline incision was made from the inferior portion of the abdominal flap to the location of the umbilicus, and then extended all the way up to the markings that had been made preoperatively. The patient was then placed into a flexed position at the hips and it was felt that there was a good elevation of the mons and still not too tight a closure. The skin flaps were then measured, going from midline towards the outside edge of the incision, checking at each point in time to make sure that the next several centimeters would not under too excessive tension. The total amount of skin was then removed, and weighed at just under 9 pounds. Meticulous hemostasis was then achieved and the superficial fascial layer at the lower border of the incision was then closed with interrupted 2-0 Vicryl sutures.
Then, 15-French Blake drains were placed along the lower edge of each incision and exited through a stab incision on the medial aspect of both thighs. The drains were sutured into position. The markings for the umbilical positioning were made on the skin and this skin was cut out in a shield pattern, and then the umbilicus was brought through the skin incision at this level. The umbilicus was sutured into position with interrupted deep buried 5-0 Vicryl sutures. The incision along the lower portion of the abdomen was then closed with multiple deep dermal sutures of 2-0 Vicryl, separated no more by then 1 cm apart. Final skin closure along the lower incision was then accomplished with running 4-0 Monocryl sutures. Benzoin, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm dressings were applied to the incision site with the umbilicus being dressed with Xeroform, 2 x 2 gauze, and a small Tegaderm. Biopatch and Tegaderm dressings were placed on the drains.
COMPLICATIONS: None.
SPECIMENS: None.
DRAINS: Two 15-French Blake drains, one in the right side of the abdomen, one on the left side of the abdomen.
Tourniquet: No
Drain: 15-French Blake
Sutures: 4-0 Monocryl sutures
Dressing: Benzoin, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm dressings were applied to the incision site with the umbilicus being dressed with Xeroform, 2 x 2 gauze, and a small Tegaderm. Biopatch and Tegaderm dressings were placed on the drains.
Lipoma Resection
Suture: 4-0 vicryl deep dermal, 4-0 Monocryl subcuticular
Dressing: Steristrips crossing wound with benzoin, pressure dressing
After induction of general anesthesia, the patient was placed into a prone position with padding and had her back prepped and draped. Preoperative skin markings consisted of a 5 cm transverse skin incision directly over the palpable mass. The scalpel was then used to incise along the marked lines going down through the skin into subcutaneous tissues, whereafter the rest of the dissection was performed with loupe magnification using a combination of electrocautery as well as gentle blunt dissection to dissect the mass from the surrounding tissues. Once in the subcutaneous plane, there appeared to be a multilobulated lesion that was contained in this space that was felt to be likely to be consistent with a lipoma. Gentle blunt dissection was then performed at the periphery of the mass, but the mass was poorly encapsulated from the surrounding tissues and dissection was slow to proceed. The mass was eventually isolated from the surrounding tissues and no further presence of the mass was noted on clinical exam. The mass seemed to extend all the way down to the fascia. After verifying complete excision of the mass, the wound was meticulously checked for hemostasis with electrocautery, and then closure of the cutaneous wound was accomplished with multiple deep dermal sutures of 4-0 Vicryl, followed by a running 4-0 Monocryl subcuticular stitch in the skin. Dressings consisting of benzoin, Steri-Strips, and Tegaderm were applied, followed by a modest compressive bandage with 4 x 4's and Medipore tape.
Clinic
Trigger Finger
Injections pure kenalog into proximal phalanx at 45 degree angle between finger and palm. (ie. the needle is pointing distally in the direction of the distal finger tip.) Go all the way down to bone and inject WITHOUT resistance. Place a bandaid dressing.
If A1 pulley release does not help to resolve trigger finger symptoms, what would you do?
Trigger fingers in children are uncommon and less straightforward. In children, trigger fingers are different from trigger thumbs, and the role of nonoperative treatment is even less clear. In addition, simple release of the first annular pulley may not resolve the triggering. An abnormal relationship between the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons, proximal decussation of the superficialis tendon, nodular formation within the flexor tendons, and tightness of the second or third annular pulleys (or both) have all been implicated as potential reasons. The surgeon must be prepared to perform a more diligent search for alternative causes when release of the first annular pulley does not resolve the triggering. additional release of the A3 pulley or resection of a slip of the FDS may be necessary to resolve the triggering. 5 The surgeon should also remember that involvement of multiple digits can be associated with inflammatory arthritis, juvenile diabetes, and mucopolysaccharide disorders.
Although open release is largely successful in alleviating symptoms, persistent triggering or unresolved flexion contracture can occur. In these rare situations, further surgical intervention is warranted. In patients with persistent flexion contracture after A1 pulley release or who present with advanced flexion contracture, FDS ulnar slip resection results in near-complete resolution of the deformity. 3334 The ulnar slip can be transected at the edge of the A3 border and excised in the A2-A3 interval. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, FDS slip resection decreases the recurrence of flexor tenosynovitis and should be considered as an adjunct to A1 pulley release in this subpopulation.