Predictors and Incidence of Requiring Subsequent Injection or Surgery in the Same Digit Following Trigger Finger Release

Abstract

Background:

Currently, there is limited literature that highlights the rate of reoperation or requiring additional corticosteroid injections following surgical trigger finger release. This study determined the incidence of additional corticosteroid injection or reoperation of the same digit in patients who underwent trigger finger release. Risk factors for requiring subsequent treatment in the same digit following trigger finger release were also identified.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who underwent primary trigger finger release from 2015 to 2017. The incidence of further treatment with either steroid injection or reoperation of the same digit following trigger finger release was determined. Multivariate regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for requiring further treatment with injection or surgery.

Results:

In total, 2.68% of patients required further treatment with either surgery or injection in the same digit following initial surgical release. Specifically, 0.76% of patients underwent reoperation while 1.92% required an additional injection. Multivariate regression demonstrated that releasing the index, middle, or multiple fingers during the initial trigger finger release was predictive of requiring further treatment.

Conclusions:

The incidence of reoperation following trigger finger release is less than 1% of patients, which supports previous research. We also established the rate of injection in the same digit following surgery to be 1.92%. This study may provide valuable information for surgeons when communicating with patients about the necessity of additional treatment following trigger finger release. In addition, it can help patients understand the outcomes of surgical management for severe trigger finger symptoms.