Epidemiology of trigger finger: metabolic syndrome as a new perspective of associated disease

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the main diseases related to trigger finger.

Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed with data obtained through a computerized record of 75 patients with trigger finger diagnosis between July 2011 and October 2015. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was performed following National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2001).

Results: Patients’ ages ranged from 50 to 84 years, with a mean age of 63 years. The ring finger was the most affected, followed by the middle finger, index finger, and little finger. Most had a grade 2 trigger finger classified by Green; the right hand involvement was more prevalent, as was the dominant hand. The incidence in women was twice as high as in men. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were shown to be important associated diseases, but metabolic syndrome was the main association found.

Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome in the group of patients studied in this scientific article seems to be the main associated disease.