Trigger Digit Incidence After Carpal Tunnel Release: Reconstruction in Elongated Position Versus Traditional Carpal Tunnel Release

Abstract

Background: The development of trigger digit after carpal tunnel syndrome release surgery has been widely reported. Lluch described reconstruction of the flexor retinaculum in elongated position to prevent such complication. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review to determine whether patients who undergo reconstruction in elongated position of the flexor retinaculum have a lower incidence of trigger digit postoperatively. In total, 1050 patients were included, 865 of whom had undergone traditional carpal tunnel release and 185 flexor retinaculum reconstruction. Results: No differences were found in the incidence of trigger digit after surgery (8.7% of the patients who underwent traditional release vs 11.9% in the reconstruction group). Neither difference was found when comparing mean time with the development of trigger digit. Conclusions: In the absence of randomized long-term studies comparing traditional release and reconstruction in elongated position after carpal tunnel release, given our results, we see no reason to favor reconstruction over standard carpal tunnel release as a means to prevent postoperative triggering of digits.