Safety and Complications of Open Trigger Finger Release in Patients Over 90 Years Old: A Retrospective Analysis

Background Although open trigger finger release is widely regarded as a safe and effective procedure, existing literature primarily focuses on younger populations, with limited evidence addressing outcomes in nonagenarian patients. This study aimed to evaluate safety, patient-reported satisfaction, and complication rates following open trigger finger release in patients aged 90 years and older. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 57 patients aged 90 or older who underwent open trigger finger release. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical details, and postoperative complications were extracted from the chart review. Complications were categorized as major or minor according to predefined criteria. Results The mean age at surgery was 92 ± 2 years, with an average duration of symptoms of 5 months (interquartile range, 3-12 months). The median follow-up duration was 2 weeks (interquartile range, 2 –3 weeks). Based on Green’s classification, the majority were grade II (58%) or grade IV (25%). No major local complications or return to the operating room occurred. Although 44% of patients received a form of non-local anesthesia, no systemic complications occurred (0%). Minor complications were observed in 3.5% of patients, including wound infection in two cases. Patient satisfaction was high, with 95% reporting satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Conclusions Open trigger finger release in nonagenarians demonstrates favorable early postoperative safety. These findings support open trigger finger release in patients aged 90 and older, offering high satisfaction and low risk of major complications. However, the absence of major complications should be interpreted with caution, given the limited sample size and short follow-up duration.