Success of Conservative Treatment of Trigger Thumb in Children after Minimum Follow-up of Five Years

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of conservative treatment of trigger thumb in children, in order to discuss the real need for surgical release in these patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study on a group of children with trigger thumb who were treated conservatively by the same orthopedic surgeon with gentle manipulation at the time of the consultation and guidance on stretching to be performed at home. The cases were followed up for at least five years. RESULTS Thirteen thumbs in 11 children (seven boys and four girls) were treated. The mean age at the first consultation was 26.3 months (range: 11 to 36 months). The mean follow-up was 10 years (range: 5 to 16 years). Ten thumbs showed satisfactory results (77%): eight of these were diagnosed when the child was younger than two years of age. The mean time taken from diagnosis to clinical improvement was 20.8 months (range: 6 to 36 months). The three thumbs that required surgical treatment were diagnosed after the age of two years and six months. CONCLUSIONS Conservative treatment of trigger thumb in children showed a high rate of success, especially in children who were diagnosed up to the age of two years. This is important information to be passed on to parents and may avoid unnecessary surgery in many cases.