Published online Nov 18, 2022. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i11.1006
Peer-review started: July 11, 2022
First decision: September 26, 2022
Revised: September 28, 2022
Accepted: October 27, 2022
Article in press: October 27, 2022
Published online: November 18, 2022
Trigger finger is one of the most common hand disorders that can lead to debilitating symptoms.
To provide increased insight to providers treating patients with trigger finger to better allow shared decision making.
To determine patient preference for the treatment of trigger finger.
An online survey was perfomed using a crowdsourcing website. Participants were led through scenarios regarding the symptoms of trigger finger and treatment options. They were then asked questions regarding their preferred treatment.
Of 316 participants results were included. 37% of the participants chose observation as their first choice, 27% splinting, 19% corticosteroid injection, and 16% surgery. The mean rank of each treatment option was statistically different from the others, except for observation and splinting.
Patients may have more of a preference for less invasive treatment of trigger finger. This information can help providers better frame discussions around shared decision making with patients.
Further research is needed to better understand patient factors that effect treatment choice.