Cut or remove? study tests best surgery for stuck fingers

NCT ID NCT05251428

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Trigger finger happens when a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to a thickened tendon pulley. This study compared two standard surgeries: cutting the pulley versus removing a piece of it. 80 adults were randomly assigned to one surgery and followed for a year to see which led to less pain and fewer recurrences.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: surgery (incision or excision of the A1 pulley)
What this could lead to: If one method proves better, it could become the preferred surgical approach for trigger finger, lowering recurrence and improving pain relief.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center study with only 80 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and both surgeries carry standard surgical risks like infection or stiffness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRIGGER FINGER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

trigger thumb

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TRIGGER FINGER

Contacts and locations

Locations

12 Executive Park Drive

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
Emory Musculoskeletal Institute

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
Emory Orthopedic and Spine Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia, 30084, United States
Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia, 30342, United States
Emory at Dunwoody

Atlanta, Georgia, 30338, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.