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Published on: May 26, 2023
Long-term outcomes following a single corticosteroid injection for trigger finger
Robert D Wojahn1, Nicholas C Foeger1, Richard H Gelberman1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University Orthopedics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8233, Saint Louis, MO 63110. E-mail address for R.P. Calfee: calfeer@wudosis.wustl.edu.
Single corticosteroid injections offer long-term trigger finger relief for many patients, particularly females with their first occurrence. Success is likely sustained if symptoms don't return within two years post-injection.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Limited data exists on long-term outcomes of corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.
- This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and predictors of success for single corticosteroid injections up to ten years post-injection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term effectiveness of a single corticosteroid injection for trigger finger.
- To identify patient and disease characteristics that predict success up to ten years after injection.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 366 first-time corticosteroid injections in flexor tendon sheaths was analyzed.
- Follow-up extended to at least five years, with additional contact for those without documented failure.
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess predictors of success.
Main Results:
- Forty-five percent of patients achieved long-term success after a single injection.
- The primary predictor of success was the interaction between sex and the number of trigger fingers.
- Female patients with a single trigger finger had the highest success rate (56%) at ten years.
Conclusions:
- Female patients with their first trigger finger experience the highest long-term success rates with a single corticosteroid injection.
- Symptom relief maintained for two years post-injection indicates a high likelihood of sustained long-term success.
