Adverse events of open A1 pulley release for idiopathic trigger finger.

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.