Socioeconomic and Demographic Influences on Trigger Finger Management: A Retrospective Cohort study
Lilly F. Stadelmeier, Laura Hilbig-Vlatten, Julius Asschenfeldt, Christine O. Kang, Toni F. Engmann, Katherine Hegermiller, Nelson Merchan, Dean Zeldich, Indeever R. Beeram, Mario Keko, Arriyan S. DowlatshahiBackground:
Surgical disparities often stem from social determinants beyond underlying pathology. This study aims to examine how race, socioeconomic factors, and insurance status affect the management of trigger finger, one of the most common hand conditions treated in the United States.
Methods:
We retrospectively identified 2639 patients diagnosed with trigger finger using International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes from the electronic medical record between 2015 and 2020. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical characteristics. Bivariate logistic regression assessed associations between socioeconomic indicators, including insurance type and education, and the likelihood of undergoing surgical versus nonoperative treatment. Variables meeting clinical or statistical criteria were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Statistical significance was set at
Results:
Among 2639 patients, 16.2% underwent surgical release and 1.7% required multiple procedures. The mean age was 62.0 ± 12.7 years. Age, race, and insurance type were independently associated with surgical treatment. Asian/Pacific Islander patients had lower odds of surgery compared with White patients (6.8% vs 15.7%). Patients insured through Medicare or without insurance were less likely to undergo surgery than those with private insurance or workers’ compensation (11.6% vs 17%). Education level, sex, primary language, body mass index, and comorbidities were not independently associated with surgical treatment.
Conclusion:
Although trigger finger management is typically streamlined, age, race, and insurance status influence treatment pathways. These findings suggest that socioeconomic factors may influence access to definitive surgical care.