Thirty consecutuve endoscopic trigger releases were performed in twenty patients by the author. Concomitant surgeries included endoscopic carpal tunnel release in four patients and MP arthrosocpy in one patient. Twenty cases (12) patients involved Worker Compensation claims. The mean age was fifty-three (range 20 to 84 years). The dominant side was involved in fifteen cases. There were ten males and ten females. All but two patients had at least one preoperative Cortisone injection. Preoperative symptom duration ranged from three to thiry-six months.

The procedure was performed with a standard 2.3 scope. Bier block anesthesia was utilized in the majority of cases. All procedures were performed with a tourniquet. The release was performed under endoscopic visualization with the use of a slotted cannula and hook knife. Portals were closed with steri-strips. No sutures were utilized.

Return to work ranged from one to twelve weeks. Excluding the six retired patients, the average return to work was 2 weeks for light-duty and 3.7 weeks for full-duty. Follow-up averaged 9 months with a range from 3 to 16 months. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient developed postoperative drainage which cleared with one week of oral antibiotics. One postoperative infection occurred which required surgical debridement. Two patients had recurrence of pain after a second injury during the postoperative period. Both patients had resolution of symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications. One patient required two months of Occupational therapy because of pre-existing PIP contracture. Mild recurrence of triggering occurred in two patients postoperatively which responded to Cortisone injection.

The author presents a new technique for trigger release which significantly decreased the incision size and seems to favorably enhance return to work and minimize palmar tenderness. There have been no intraoperative complications. However some residual triggering in two patients is worrisome for potential incomplete release. Nevertheless no revision surgeries have been required. Follow-up is short and ongoing surveillance is warranted.