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Treatment of trigger finger by steroid injection
M L Newport1, L B Lane, S A Stuchin
1Hospital for Joint Diseases, Orthopaedic Institute, New York, NY.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Steroid injections effectively treat primary trigger finger, with 77% of patients showing improvement. Success rates were highest after a single injection, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of this common treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Trigger finger, a common condition affecting the hand, causes pain and limited mobility.
- Conservative treatments are often the first line of therapy for trigger finger.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections for primary trigger finger.
- To compare success rates based on the number of injections administered.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 235 patients with 338 primary trigger fingers.
- Treatment involved one to three injections of corticosteroid and local anesthetic.
- Surgical release was performed for cases unresponsive to injections.
Main Results:
- Seventy-seven percent of all trigger fingers showed resolution or improvement.
- Success rates were 49% after one injection, 23% after two, and 5% after three.
- The study assessed the safety profile of the steroid injection treatment.
Conclusions:
- Corticosteroid injection is an effective and safe initial treatment for primary trigger finger.
- Multiple injections may offer diminishing returns, highlighting the importance of initial response.
- Injection therapy provides a viable non-surgical option for many trigger finger patients.