Function and Scar in Trigger Finger Release

Overview

Trigger finger is a common upper limb impairment associated with a significant decrease in quality of life, hand dexterity and strength as well as increased pain while complying daily activities of living. Trigger finger can be managed through the surgical release of the ligaments in the affected finger. The open surgical release of trigger finger can be accomplished through multiple incision types. As such, each incision may present different risks of harming or disturbing the underlying anatomy in the hand. This study aims to assess the variation in three incisional techniques (oblique, transverse and vertical) to determine which incision is preferential to improve scar aesthetics, increase hand function and minimize complications. Patients will be observed following surgery and information about hand function and quality of life will be obtained through the administration of questionnaires. Data will be collected at four time-points, one prior to and three following surgery.

A study describing the superior incision technique is still needed to assess post-open release outcomes of the surgical site such as aesthetics and hand function. This study contributes to literature by providing further clarification into which technique of open trigger finger release is preferential to optimize scar aesthetics, increase function and, minimize complications using patient reported outcome measures such as the MHQ and SCAR-Q. The primary objective of this study is to assess patient Health-Related Quality of Life related to hand function via three incisional techniques using the generic hand instrument, (MHQ). This will be measured at 1 week prior, 1 day prior, and 1, 3, and 6 months post operation. The secondary objective will be to evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life related to scar appearance post trigger finger release of three (transverse, oblique and vertical) incisional techniques of trigger finger release using the SCAR-Q (a condition-specific scales) at 1, 3 and 6 months post operation. This study will be employed as a three-arm prospective cohort study. Local surgeons practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare who utilize different incisional techniques for trigger finger release will compare each of their techniques. As each group sees trigger finger at a roughly equal rate, it is expected that the target of 30 patients in each group will be met in a similar timeline. Data will be recorded by a research team member that is not the operating physician via a paper-based system specific to this study. At consultation patients will be approached for consent within a private consultation room within the surgical clinic. One week prior to surgery patients will complete questionnaires at the principle investigator's office (completed by the RA) in a private room. Post operation, patients will return to the principle investigator's office at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post operation to complete the same questionnaires and to document any complications they have experienced.