Comparison of Ultrasonographic Features Among Healthy Individuals and Patients With Trigger Finger

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Trigger finger is a common cause of finger pain and triggering.
• It is characterized by thickening of the first annular pulley (A1 pulley) near the metacarpophalangeal joint.
• Clinical and ultrasonographic risk factors remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure flexor tendon and A1 pulley thickness in trigger finger patients versus healthy controls.
• To identify risk factors associated with trigger finger development.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound measurements of flexor tendon and A1 pulley thickness.
• Inclusion of 30 healthy volunteers and 30 trigger finger patients.
• Application of multiple regression analysis to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Significantly greater mean thickness of flexor tendons (3.78 ± 0.86 mm) and A1 pulleys (0.49 ± 0.16 mm) in trigger finger patients compared to controls.
• Increased thickness observed in affected digits compared to contralateral healthy digits within the same patients.
• Diabetes mellitus, history of hand forcing, and increased flexor tendon/A1 pulley thickness were significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Trigger finger is associated with thickened flexor tendons and A1 pulleys.
• Diabetes mellitus, hand forcing history, and increased tendon/pulley thickness are key risk factors.
• Ultrasonography provides valuable insights into the structural changes and risk factors of trigger finger.