Management of Stenosing Tenosynovitis With the Eastwood Technique: Handling, Advantages, and Disadvantages

TL;DR

This paper discusses the Eastwood surgical technique for treating trigger finger, a condition causing finger pain and stiffness, showing it is minimally invasive and effective.

Contribution

The paper presents a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of the Eastwood technique for treating trigger finger in a diabetic patient.

Findings

The Eastwood technique is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for trigger finger.

It allows for quick recovery and return to daily activities.

Success rate improves with surgeon experience.

Abstract

Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, is a common condition resulting from repetitive use of the finger tendons, causing inflammation and narrowing of the flexor sheaths. This causes difficulty in sliding the tendon, which can lead to locking or pain when extending the fingers. The condition is associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and has a higher incidence in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Treatments include conservative approaches, such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, or definitive approaches, such as surgery when previous treatments are unsuccessful. In this case, we present a 45-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus who suffered from a trigger finger in the third finger of the right hand. After unsuccessful conservative treatment, he underwent A1 pulley release surgery using the Eastwood technique, resulting in uncomplicated improvement. This surgical approach has the advantage of being outpatient, minimally invasive, and offering a shorter recovery time. The success rate of this technique increases with the surgeon’s experience, being effective in most cases and allowing a quick return to daily activities.

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