Incidence and Predictors of Subsequent Triggering Requiring Treatment After Trigger Finger Release

To assess the incidence of subsequent treatment of trigger finger in the same or additional digits after the initial trigger finger release, as well as identify patient characteristics associated with the need for subsequent treatment.

This study retrospectively analyzed 1,715 patients with a trigger finger who underwent surgical release from 2015 to 2017. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine the percentage of patients requiring further trigger finger treatment by either steroid injection or operative release. Patient factors were then compared in those who did and did not undergo subsequent treatment. Cox proportional hazards models and survival analysis were performed to identify patient characteristics associated with requiring subsequent treatment, injection, and surgery.

Overall, 690 (40.2%) patients required subsequent treatment with either steroid injection or surgical release in either the same or an additional finger. Four hundred sixty patients (26.8%) underwent at least one subsequent injection, with 36 (2.1%) of these on the same finger. Additionally, 230 (13.4%) patients received at least one subsequent first annular pulley release, with 14 (0.8%) on the same finger as the initial release. Cox proportional hazards models showed patients with a higher comorbidly burden and current smoking status were more likely to receive subsequent treatment. Higher body mass index and greater comorbidity burden were also associated with requiring subsequent surgery. Additionally, current smokers or patients with a greater comorbidity burden had a higher risk of requiring subsequent treatment in an additional digit not initially released.

Subsequent release or injection in the same or another digit was common following an initial trigger finger release. Patient characteristics such as higher body mass index and greater comorbidity burden were associated with requiring subsequent surgery, and smoking status as well as comorbidity burden were associated with subsequent treatment in an additional digit not initially released.

Prognostic IV.