ABSTRACT
Finger joint stiffness can result in severe impairment of hand
function and is a difficult problem to treat. Stiffness can result
from injury, infection, excess immobilization, and inap-
propriate splinting (1). An accumulation of fluid or blood
within the capsule after trauma will subsequently lead to
stiffness. The open surgical management of joint contractures
has led to unpredictable results, with some conditions
actually worsening postoperatively (2). The lack-luster
results of open release of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP)
joint have led some surgeons to try less invasive or indirect
means of contracture release. These methods, such as external
fixators, have shown some early promise in regaining some
motion, but are associated with high complication rates (3).
It has been suggested that the results of open surgical release
of flexion contractures greater than 608 (1) is so poor that
arthrodesis is the preferred treatment. We describe a mini-
mally invasive technique for the surgical release of selected
joint contractures, through percutaneous surgical release of
pathologic structures alone, avoiding injury to normal
structures and reducing postsurgical swelling and pain.
The reduction in pain and swelling allows for an accelerated
rehabilitation program and a more complete recovery of
hand function.
