The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation after Open Surgical Release for Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

Riassunto dello studio

Fifty-seven patients with trigger finger underwent open surgical release and were randomized to receive either postoperative occupational therapy (rehabilitation group; n=28) or no referral for rehabilitation with only self-directed ROM exercises (control group; n=29). The primary outcome was the Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand (DASH) score. Secondary outcomes included pain-VAS, grip strength, range of motion (ROM), and complications. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed that although both groups improved after surgery, there were no significant differences between the rehabilitation and control groups in the primary and secondary outcomes at the final 6-month follow-up. However, subgroup analyses showed that patients with longer symptom duration (>12 months) and those performing housework or light work had significantly better DASH scores in the rehabilitation group. These findings suggest that while general postoperative rehabilitation did not significantly improve outcomes compared to self-directed exercises, selected subgroups may benefit from postoperative rehabilitation.