Abstract
Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger (TF) are common conditions that may
occur in the same patient. The etiology of most cases is unknown. The purpose of this
study was to evaluate the rate of concomitant occurrence of these two conditions at
presentation and to compare the concomitant occurrence in normal and diabetic patients.
Methods One-hundred and eight consecutive subjects presenting to our hand clinic with CTS
and/or TF were evaluated. The existence of both of these conditions was documented
through a standard history and physical examination. The definition of trigger finger
was determined by tenderness over the A1 pulley, catching, clicking or locking. CTS
was defined in the presence of at least two of the following: numbness and tingling
in a median nerve distribution, motor and sensory nerve loss (median nerve), a positive
Tinel’s or Phalen’s test and positive electrophysiologic studies.
Results The average age of the participants was 62.2 ± 13.6 years. Sixty-seven patients presented
with symptoms and signs of CTS (62%), 41 (38%) subjects with signs and symptoms of
TF. Following further evaluation, 66 patients (61%) had evidence of concomitant CTS
and TF. Fifty-seven patients (53% of all study patients) had diabetes. The rate of
subjects with diabetes was similar among the groups (p = 0.8, Chi-square test).
Conclusion CTS and TF commonly occur together at presentation though the symptoms of one condition
will be more prominent. Our results support a common local mechanism that may be unrelated
to the presence of diabetes. We recommend evaluation for both conditions at the time
of presentation.
