OasisLMS

This study examines the relationship between aromatase inhibitor therapy and trigger finger among patients treated for breast cancer. Patients receiving aromatase inhibitors had a higher incidence of trigger finger than those not receiving these medications, with both letrozole and anastrozole independently associated with increased risk. Although corticosteroid injection and surgical release generally produced outcomes comparable to those in non–aromatase inhibitor populations, injection failure was more common among patients who switched between letrozole and anastrozole because of musculoskeletal side effects and among patients with poorly controlled diabetes. These findings can help hand surgeons recognize higher-risk patients, counsel them about expected treatment outcomes, and tailor management accordingly.

Intended Audience

This educational activity is intended for plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals interested in translating expanded knowledge into practice for the improvement of patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Describe the association between aromatase inhibitor therapy and the incidence of trigger finger in patients with breast cancer.
2. Compare trigger finger incidence and treatment outcomes among patients receiving letrozole, anastrozole, and non–aromatase inhibitor therapies for breast cancer.
3. Identify clinical factors associated with higher rates of corticosteroid injection failure, including aromatase inhibitor switching and poorly controlled diabetes.
4. Evaluate the expected effectiveness of corticosteroid injection and surgical release for aromatase inhibitor–associated trigger finger.
5. Apply the study findings to counsel and manage patients who develop trigger finger during aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Andrew W. Hollins, MD

Rachel E. Hein, MD

Andrew N. Atia, MD

Gloria X. Zhang, BS

Amanda R. Sergesketter, MD

Grant Darner, BS

Miranda Morris, BS

Suhail K. Mithani, MD

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin C. Chung, MD

Co-editor: Amy S. Colwell, MD

Paul Ghareeb, MD

NIcole Jarrett, MD, FACS

Ashley Pistorio, MD, MS

• Systems-based Practice
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Accreditation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™: 1.0

Media: Journal Article

Release Date: 8/11/2026

Expiration Date: 8/11/2029*

Estimated time to complete this course: 1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

Disclosure Policy

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all instructors, planners, reviewers, managers and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.

The following planners and faculty members have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:

Andrew W. Hollins, MD

Rachel E. Hein, MD

Andrew N. Atia, MD

Gloria X. Zhang, BS

Amanda R. Sergesketter, MD

Grant Darner, BS

Miranda Morris, BS

Suhail K. Mithani, MD

Paul Ghareeb, MD
Nicole Jarrett, MD, FACS
Ashley Pistorio, MD, MS

Recognition Statement

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)

Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.