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Socioeconomic and Demographic Influences on Trigger Finger Management: A Retrospective Cohort study
Lilly F Stadelmeier1, Laura Hilbig-Vlatten1, Julius Asschenfeldt1
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Race and insurance status significantly impact trigger finger treatment. Patients from minority racial groups and those with Medicare or no insurance were less likely to receive surgical intervention for this common hand condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Socioeconomic factors, not just pathology, contribute to disparities in surgical care.
- Trigger finger is a prevalent hand condition requiring management in the United States.
- Understanding influences on treatment pathways is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of race, socioeconomic status, and insurance on trigger finger treatment.
- To determine if disparities exist in surgical versus nonoperative management of trigger finger.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2639 trigger finger patients (2015-2020) using electronic health records.
- International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified patient cohort.
- Logistic regression models assessed associations between demographic/socioeconomic factors and surgical treatment likelihood.
Main Results:
- 16.2% of patients underwent surgical release for trigger finger.
- Asian/Pacific Islander patients showed lower odds of surgery compared to White patients.
- Patients with Medicare or no insurance had reduced odds of receiving surgery versus privately insured patients.
Conclusions:
- Age, race, and insurance status are independent predictors of trigger finger surgical treatment.
- Socioeconomic factors appear to influence access to definitive surgical care for trigger finger.
- Findings highlight potential disparities in hand surgery access and management.