Abstract
Introduction Trigger digit is a common condition of the hand. Diabetes has a known association
with the development of trigger digit. It is thought to influence the clinical presentation
and efficacy of open surgical release. This study aimed to assess the differential
characteristics of trigger digits and the clinical outcomes of open surgery for trigger
digits in diabetics.
Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent open surgical release
of trigger digits in a single institution from 2012 to 2013. Patients were divided
into two groups with group 1 consisting of all patients with a history of diabetes.
Group 2 consisted of all patients without diabetes. Demographics and clinical presentation
were reviewed. All patients were reviewed via a telephone questionnaire at least 2
years after the initial surgery and were assessed for patient-reported outcomes.
Results There were 201 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of which 191 patients were
recruited. This included 87 (45.5%) males and 104 (54.5%) females. A total of 260
open releases were performed. Sixty-one (31.9%) patients were diabetic, and 130 (68.1%)
patients were nondiabetic. The diabetic group was significantly older than the nondiabetic
group (p = 0.002). The dominant hand was not significantly more affected than the nondominant
hand (p = 0.51). The middle finger was most commonly involved (43.5%), and the little finger
was the least commonly involved (1.2%). There was no significant increase in multiple-digit
presentation in the diabetic population when compared with the nondiabetic population
(p = 0.52). There was a low complication rate and a high rate of postoperative satisfaction
after open surgery in both groups.
Conclusion Diabetes does not predispose patients to increased rates of multiple trigger digit
presentation or increased clinical severity on presentation. Open surgery for trigger
digit is an effective and safe treatment modality for diabetics.
Keywords
trigger - open release - diabetes
