The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on this procedure.

Description

Needle fasciotomy is an outpatient procedure where one or more fibrous bands (contractures) are cut (sectioned) using a blade or a bevel of a needle. Section is achieved by moving the needle in a sawing motion against the fibrous band. This movement is repeated several times, each time after rotating the needle in a star-shaped pattern in the plane of the palm.

Once partial section has been achieved the finger is extended causing the band to snap. A dry bandage is then secured by elastic tape and placed over the injection site for at least 48 hours.

Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance