Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high

Prolonged neglect of a locked digit will result in joint flexion contracture.

long term
high

Prolonged neglect of an affected tendon at risk will result in attritional rupture.

long term
low

Superficial corticosteroid injection may cause skin thinning, subcutaneous atrophy, fat necrosis, and/or depigmentation in dark skin and red pigmentation in white skin.[50]

long term
low

Proximity of sensory nerve to the surgical field makes nerves prone to iatrogenic injury (laceration/traction), leading to numbness and neuroma formation.

long term
low

Releasing retinacular sheaths bypasses their role in stabilising and reorientating the vector of the involved tendon.

Bow-stringing is uncommon with isolated A1 pulley release, but if release is extended distally to involve the A2 pulley, the risk of bow-stringing is increased.

variable
low

Prolonged irritation and surrounding inflammation may involve nearby sensory nerves.

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