Association between Activities of Daily Living and Central Sensitisation Inventory Scores in Patients with Trigger...

Background: Trigger digit is a common hand disorder that causes pain, limited finger motion and functional impairment in activities of daily living (ADL). Although psychosocial factors are increasingly recognised in musculoskeletal disorders, the relationship between central sensitisation (CS) and trigger digit has not been investigated. This study aimed to identify ADL impairments associated with CS Inventory (CSI) scores in patients with trigger digit. Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients (12 men, 23 women; mean age: 64.0 ± 9.4 years) who received conservative treatment for trigger digit between October 2022 and May 2023. Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH) and CSI scores were assessed. Correlations between total Q-DASH and CSI scores were analysed using bivariate analysis, and associations between individual Q-DASH items and CSI scores were examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean Q-DASH and CSI scores were 23.6 ± 19.5 and 22.5 ± 14.5, respectively. A significant correlation was found between total Q-DASH and CSI scores (p = 0.021). Amongst the 11 Q-DASH items, Q3 (carry a shopping bag or briefcase), Q4 (wash your back), Q8 (limitations in work or daily activities) and Q11 (difficulty sleeping because of pain) were significantly associated with CSI scores (p = 0.024, 0.018, 0.033 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychosocial factors associated with ADL impairment in trigger digit can be assessed using CSI scores. Specific Q-DASH items reflecting daily and social functioning, hygiene and sleep may be particularly influenced by CS mechanisms. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Diagnostic).