Long-term outcomes of percutaneous release technique or open for trigger finger in diabetic patients

Abstract

Aims: Trigger finger is seen more often in diabetic patients and can lead to more serious postoperative complications compared to non-diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of open and percutaneous release techniques in diabetic patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 62 patients who met the study criteria. Of these patients, 32 underwent open release surgery and 30 underwent percutaneous release with an 18-gauge needle. The patients were evaluated retrospectively in respect of the data on first presentation preoperatively and at postoperative follow-up examinations at 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. A retrospective examination was made of the demographic data, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, recurrence rates at the end of 6 months and 1 year, the Quinnell grading scale at the end of 1 year, wound site infection, tendon damage and neurovascular complications. VAS scores and the Quinnell grading scale were used for clinical evaluation. Results: The data of a total of 62 patients were statistically analyzed in the study, with 32 (51.6%) in the Open group and 30 (48.4%) in the Percutaneous group. The mean age of the patients was 58.97±7.51 (min-max: 45-72) years. The distributions of trigger finger and Quinnell grading system scores were statistically similar between the groups (P=0.974, P=0.279, respectively). The recurrent triggering rate at the 6th and 12th month was significantly higher in the Percutaneous group (P=0.049, P=0.049, respectively). The average return to work duration in the Percutaneous group (1.70±0.75) was significantly shorter than that in the Open group (3.88±1.21) (P<0.001). Pre-op, Post-op 6th and 12th month VAS scores did not significantly differ between the groups (P=0.466, P=0.356, P=0.175, respectively). Conclusion: Although satisfactory results were obtained with both percutaneous and open release techniques in the patients with diabetes in this study, the percutaneous release technique was seen to be a method which can be easily performed in an outpatient setting and had fewer complications.