A Case of Paediatric Trigger Thumb Presenting Acutely Following Trauma

Baker BG, Pantelides NM and Dalal M

Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Preston Hospital, UK

^*Correspondance to: Benjamin G Baker 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1054

Abstract

We report the first documented case of paediatric trigger thumb presenting acutely following trauma. We believe that this is distinct from the typical presentation. Our case occurred within 48-hours of blunt injury in a 2-year-old boy, and was initially referred as a closed rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. Bilateral nodules at the A1 pulley were palpable, and ultrasound examination was consistent with our diagnosis. Transient soft tissue swelling was a significant contributing factor, causing the previously subclinical abnormality at the A1 pulley to manifest. The deformity resolved completely within 3 weeks, as the swelling subsided. It is important for any surgeon examining a child’s hand following trauma to be aware of the potential for paediatric trigger thumb to present in this way.

Keywords

Trigger thumb; Congenital hand deformities; Finger injuries/surgery; Paediatrics

Cite the article

Baker BG, Pantelides NM, Dalal M. A Case of Paediatric Trigger Thumb Presenting Acutely Following Trauma. Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1054.