Relationship Between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Incidence of Trigger Finger in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Jan 31, 2026Hand surgery & rehabilitation

Link Between Diabetes Medication (GLP-1 Receptor Agonists) and Trigger Finger in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

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Abstract

GLP-1 RA use is associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of trigger finger among diabetic patients.

Patients using GLP-1 RAs showed a lower prevalence of trigger finger compared to those not using these medications.
Despite the lower prevalence of trigger finger, GLP-1 RA users had a higher incidence of trigger finger release surgeries.
Postoperative complications such as surgical site infection, joint stiffness, wound dehiscence, and abscess irrigation and debridement were similar between GLP-1 RA users and non-users.

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PURPOSE: The relationship between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use and trigger finger (TF) remains unknown. This study aims to compare rates of TF, TF release, and complications of TF release between diabetic patients with and without a history of GLP-1 RA use.

METHODS: This study utilized the TriNetX database to identify adult patients with Type II diabetes mellitus. The primary analysis included patients with and without a history of GLP-1 RA use. The secondary analysis included patients with a history of TF separated by the presence or absence of GLP-1 RA use, respectively. The tertiary analysis included patients with and without a history of GLP-1 RA use within the 6 months prior to TF release. Cohorts were propensity-matched 1:1 based on demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities. The primary outcome was the incidence of TF; the secondary outcome was the incidence of TF release. Tertiary outcomes included postoperative complications within 90 days of surgery.

RESULTS: GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of trigger finger. In contrast, GLP-1 RA users demonstrated a higher prevalence of TF release and similar rates of surgical site infection, joint stiffness, wound dehiscence, and abscess irrigation and debridement following operative release.

CONCLUSIONS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of trigger finger without an elevation in complication risk following surgical release. Interestingly, we also observed increased prevalence of trigger finger release among glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist users.

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Relationship Between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Incidence of Trigger Finger in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

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