Association between hyperlipidemia and trigger finger: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The etiology of trigger finger, a condition causing finger stiffness and pain, is not fully understood.
• Elevated blood lipid levels (hyperlipidemia) may impair blood flow and induce inflammation in the distal fingers, potentially contributing to trigger finger development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hyperlipidemia and the incidence of trigger finger.
• To quantify the risk of trigger finger in individuals with hyperlipidemia.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide population-based cohort study utilized longitudinal data from 2000 to 2013.
• Included 41,421 patients in the hyperlipidemia cohort and 82,842 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Statistical analysis adjusted for potential comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Patients with hyperlipidemia had a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for developing trigger finger (HR = 4.03, 95% CI: 3.57-4.55).
• The association remained strong in both male (HR = 4.59) and female (HR = 3.77) subgroups.
• This indicates a robust correlation between hyperlipidemia and trigger finger incidence.

Conclusions:

• Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor associated with trigger finger.
• The findings suggest that managing lipid levels may be important in preventing trigger finger.
• Further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking hyperlipidemia and trigger finger is warranted.