Carpal Tunnel Decompression and Trigger Digits

Abstract

A retrospective study has been carried out on a total of 132 hands which have been operated upon for carpal tunnel syndrome. Post-operative incidence of trigger digit was investigated. Cases of rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. Twenty-nine patients had symptoms of trigger digit and twenty-one were subsequently operated on for triggering. A possible explanation has been put forward based on altered anatomy after surgery for carpal tunnel release. This paper serves as a reminder of the inter-relationship between the various constrictive lesions of the hand and wrist. It is hoped to present a prospective study on this topic in due course.