Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Developing Trigger Finger? A Case-Control Analysis of 198 804 Patients

Abstract

Background:

Trigger finger (TF) causes pain and functional impairment. Previous studies have associated TF with carpal tunnel syndrome, which has been linked to obesity. This study investigated the relationship between obesity and the prevalence of TF.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the TriNetX Research Network (2006-2024). Patients with risk factors for TF (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, amyloidosis, prior carpal tunnel release, spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, hypothyroidism, Dupuytren disease, and diabetes mellitus) were excluded. Two cohorts were compared: (1) patients diagnosed with TF; and (2) those without. The groups underwent propensity score matching based on demographic attributes using a 1:1 nearest neighbor approach. Each patient’s mean body mass index (BMI) was calculated by averaging all BMI measurements. Obesity was defined as a mean BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m². Multiple linear regression and logistic regression, incorporating TF diagnosis, BMI, and matched covariates, were used to adjust for confounding factors and estimate risk and odds ratios.

Results:

Data from 198 804 patients (99 402 per group) were analyzed. The prevalence of TF was positively associated with increasing BMI. Multiple linear regression revealed that BMI accounted for a small portion of the variance in TF prevalence. Logistic regression demonstrated an adjusted risk ratio of 1.02 (95% CI = [1.01, 1.03]) and an odds ratio of 1.03 (95% CI = [1.01, 1.05]), indicating a 2% to 3% increased risk of TF in obese patients.

Conclusion:

Obesity was independently associated with TF. Obese patients had a 2% increased risk of TF compared with nonobese patients.