Adverse events of open A1 pulley release for idiopathic trigger finger

Abstract

Purpose: To classify and report adverse events of trigger finger release in a large cohort of patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,598 trigger finger releases performed by 12 surgeons in 984 patients between 2001 and 2011. Adverse events were classified based on a system derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and clinical experience. Risk factors for various adverse events were sought in bivariate and multivariable statistical analysis.

Results: At the latest follow-up, 66 patients (7%), or 84 operated trigger digits (5%), experienced a documented adverse event. The most common adverse events were recovery issues in 46 patients (3%) (such as postoperative symptoms treated with steroid injection or slow recovery of motion treated with hand therapy), wound problems in 30 patients (2%) (consisting of suture abscess, superficial infection, or wound separation), persistent postoperative triggering in 10 patients (0.6%), and recurrent triggering in 4 patients (0.3%). Diabetes mellitus was associated with wound problems, slow recovery of motion, and recurrence. Concomitant carpal tunnel release on the same side was associated with slow recovery.

Conclusions: Fourteen patients, less than 1%, in this cohort experienced an adverse event, such as persistent or recurrent triggering, requiring secondary surgery. No nerve injury or deep infection occurred in our cohort. One in 15 patients experienced a minor transient or treatable adverse event, and patients with diabetes were at greater risk.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.