Association Between Preoperative Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Early Wound Healing Following Open Trigger Finger Release.

Abstract

Background: Trigger finger is a common hand condition frequently treated with open A1 pulley release. Although surgical outcomes are generally favorable, early wound healing disturbances may impair recovery. Evidence regarding the relationship between preoperative vitamin D status and postoperative wound healing in trigger finger surgery remains limited.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 150 patients undergoing open trigger finger release. Early wound healing status was evaluated at postoperative day 14 using predefined clinical wound criteria. Preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were analyzed as continuous and categorical variables. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of delayed wound healing after adjustment for clinical confounders.

Results: Delayed wound healing occurred in 30 patients (20%). Mean preoperative serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with delayed healing than in those with normal healing (18.2 ± 6.9 vs 29.8 ± 8.5 ng/mL; P < .001). Lower serum 25(OH)D level independently predicted delayed wound healing (odds ratio [OR], 0.92, 95% CI, 0.88-0.96, P < .001), together with higher body mass index, diabetes mellitus, elevated glycated hemoglobin, and advanced Quinnell grade. Patients with normal wound healing demonstrated significantly superior MHQ outcomes at postoperative week 6 and month 3.

Conclusion: Low preoperative serum 25(OH)D level was independently associated with delayed wound healing and poorer functional recovery after open trigger finger release. Preoperative vitamin D status may represent a clinically relevant risk marker requiring further prospective investigation.

Level of evidence: Level III Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.