Background Open surgical trigger finger release has limited success and the risk of complications; however, percutaneous techniques offer a successful alternative. There is limited understanding of the success of percutaneous trigger finger release. Objective To prospectively evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with Green classification Grade 2 to 4 trigger finger treated with an ultrasound‐guided microinvasive trigger finger release using a special 18‐gauge needle with a blade at the tip. Design Prospective, case‐series study. Setting This study took place at an academic institution by one sports medicine physician (R.E.C.) with subspecialty training and certification in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Patients Sixty patients (79 cases) met criteria and agreed to participate in this study; 19 patients had multiple fingers treated. Average patient age was 62.8 years (SD 10.2). Average trigger finger severity diagnosis was Grade 3. Interventions Patients were treated with an ultrasound‐guided microinvasive trigger finger release using a special 18‐gauge needle with a blade at the tip. Main Outcome Measurements Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), numerical rating scale (NRS), and Nirschl scores were captured preprocedure, at various time points, and at final follow‐up. Changes between preprocedure and final follow‐up were analyzed by paired t test (p < .05). Differences were also analyzed between finger, grade level, and gender by repeated measures analyses of variance (p < .05). Results No adverse events were documented perioperatively or postoperatively. Average follow‐up time was 18.4 months (SD 4.6). At final follow‐up, 100% of patients reported no recurrence of catching/locking, 97% had complete resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in QuickDASH scores, and 99% required no further treatment. All measurements showed a decrease in pain and symptoms over time. The improvements in QuickDASH score, NRS, and Nirschl scale and the resolution of mechanical symptoms were all statistically significant. Conclusions Ultrasound‐guided release using the 18‐gauge needle with a blade provides significant functional improvement and full resolution of mechanical symptoms with minimal adverse events.

Background: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is among a group of autologous cell-based therapies currently being explored to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Materials & methods: This retrospective case study observed ten patients (13 knees) with severe knee OA who failed extensive conservative treatment and were treated with BMA injection using a novel, pure bone marrow aspiration (pBMA) technique. Results: No adverse events were reported. More than 50% reduction in the visual analog scale score for pain was observed at 2- and 12-weeks post-procedure, showing statistical significance. At 64 ± 26 weeks post-procedure, average knee pain remained significantly less than pre-procedure. Conclusion: Therefore, patients with severe knee OA may achieve significant relief after a BMA injection obtained using this pure bone marrow aspiration technique.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. Most patients recover with conservative treatments; however, some patients require surgical intervention. There are 3 common procedures offered: open tenotomy, arthroscopic tenotomy, and percutaneous microtenotomy. In comparison, percutaneous microtenotomy has been proven as a less invasive procedure to treat lateral epicondylitis. We reviewed the literature on the safety and efficacy of using a microdebrider coblation wand to treat lateral epicondylitis, and we compared its outcomes to open and arthroscopic tenotomy.Methods: A search was completed through PubMed Central, Google Scholar, EBSCO host, and Embase for studies that performed percutaneous microtenotomy with a microdebrider coblation wand to treat lateral epicondylitis. Studies were then screened to determine if they met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed for data analysis and potential risks of bias.Results: A total of 27 articles were identified and 9 articles (eight studies) met the inclusion criteria. Small sample sizes in the studies and heterogeneity of the methodology limited the capacity to carry out a meta-analysis. Percutaneous microtenotomy outcomes seem to be favorable for reduced pain, increased grip strength, and improved functional outcomes, which were similar to outcomes reported with the other surgical techniques. There were no major adverse events reported in the studies secondary to the use of the microdebrider coblation wand. Procedure time and return to daily activities were shorter for the microtenotomy group. Conclusion:Percutaneous microtenotomy performed with a microdebrider coblation seems to be an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis that provides similar outcomes to the surgical techniques with a lower rate of complications.Abbreviations: DASH = disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand, MEPS = Mayo Elbow Performance Score, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, NRS = numerical rating scale, PRP = platelet-rich plasma, RCT = randomized controlled trials, VAS = visual analog scale.

Background: A plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand may be an effective treatment for treating chronic plantar fasciitis. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the success rate of performing a plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand to treat plantar fasciitis and determine utility of ultrasonographic imaging to evaluate for recovery after treatment. Methods: Patients with plantar fasciitis treated with a plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand were prospectively followed for 1 year. Outcome measures included numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for activities of daily living (FAAMA) and for sports (FAAMS), and plantar fascia thickness evaluated with ultrasonographic imaging. Results: Forty patients were included. Average patient age was 53.4 ± 9.9 years. Average symptom duration prior to the procedure was 20 ± 26 months. Five patients dropped out of the study at various points, most due to the COVID quarantine. The mean preoperative NRS score was 4.7 and at 3 and 6 months postprocedure was ≤2. At 1 year, the outcomes were all improved compared to the preoperative status: NRS 0.7±1.3 ( P < .001), FADI 107±16 ( P < .001), FAAMA 95%±10% ( P < .001), FAAMS 84%±19% ( P < .001), and plantar fascia thickness 6.8 ± 1.2 mm ( P = .014). Furthermore, 86% of patients had clinically successful outcome in pain, defined as NRS score ≤ 2 (95% CI 0, 2), and 91% of patients had a clinically successful outcome in their function, defined as having an FAAMA score ≥75%. There were no complications at the operative site either during or after the procedure. Conclusion: In this study of 40 patients followed prospectively, we found percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, with a low incidence of complications. Ultrasonographic imaging may help evaluate for interval healing. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.