Trigger Fingers After Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Trigger finger (TF) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are prevalent conditions.
• The relationship between TF and CTS, particularly post-carpal tunnel release (CTR), remains unclear.
• Existing research offers conflicting conclusions regarding a causal link between CTR and TF development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and timing of new-onset trigger finger in the same hand following open carpal tunnel release.
• To investigate potential risk factors associated with trigger finger development after carpal tunnel surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 497 patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release by a single surgeon.
• Detailed analysis of 229 patient charts, including demographics, BMI, and comorbidities.
• Tracking the incidence, affected digit, and time to onset of trigger finger post-operatively.

Main Results:

• 13.5% of patients developed trigger finger after open carpal tunnel release.
• The thumb was the most frequently affected digit (42.22%), followed by the ring and middle fingers.
• Trigger thumb onset was significantly earlier (mean 3.5 months) compared to other digits (mean 7.5 months), P = .022.
• No specific risk factors were identified for trigger finger development post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Open carpal tunnel release is associated with a notable incidence of new-onset trigger finger.
• Trigger thumb appears to be more common and develops earlier than trigger digits in other fingers after carpal tunnel release.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and inform potential preventative or therapeutic strategies, including patient education.