Surgery options for severe trigger fingers

Resection of One or Both Slips of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tendon for Cases of Severe Trigger Fingers. a Randomized Prospective Single Center Study

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT04675892

This study tests which of two surgical methods works better for treating severe trigger fingers in patients with flexor tendon issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, VD)
Trial IDNCT04675892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of two surgical approaches for treating severe trigger fingers: resection of one or both slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon versus division of the A1 pulley. Patients diagnosed with flexor tendon tenosynovitis are recruited and randomized into one of the two treatment groups. Preoperative assessments include a clinical examination and evaluation of pain and range of motion. Postoperative follow-ups are conducted to monitor recovery and any complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosed flexor tendon tenosynovitis resulting in decreased range of motion of the PIP joint.

Not a fit: Patients with PIP joint contractures due to conditions other than stenosing flexor tenosynovitis or those with contraindications to surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective surgical option for alleviating symptoms of trigger finger.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored surgical interventions for trigger finger, but this specific comparison of techniques is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥18 years old) with a flexor tendon tenosynovitis of a finger resulting in a decreased range of motion of the PIP joint (defined with a palm-to-pulp distance ≥0mm and/or flexion contracture ≥15°).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Minors (\<18 years old).
* PIP joint contracture resulting from another illness than stenosing flexor tenosynovitis (for example: rheumatoid arthritis) or caused by a traumatic event.
* Contraindications to any surgery: presence of a severe coagulation disorder, immunosuppression or decompensated psychiatric illness.

Where this trial is running

Lausanne, VD

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Trigger FingerStenosing Tenosynovitistrigger fingerstenosing flexor tenosynovitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.