A randomized controlled trial comparing ketorolac and triamcinolone injections in adults with trigger digits

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pharmacology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Trigger digit, a common condition, causes pain and limited motion.
• Corticosteroids like triamcinolone acetonide are frequently used, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ketorolac trometamol are also considered.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of ketorolac trometamol injections versus triamcinolone acetonide injections for treating trigger digits.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 121 patients with single trigger digits.
• Patients received either ketorolac trometamol or triamcinolone acetonide injections.
• Outcomes including trigger resolution, pain, and motion were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• At 6 and 12 weeks, triamcinolone showed significantly higher rates of complete trigger resolution (54% and 58%) compared to ketorolac (0% and 6.7%).
• Triamcinolone also led to better pain relief and reduced flexion deformity in the short term (3-12 weeks).
• By 24 weeks, trigger resolution rates were similar (26% for triamcinolone, 25% for ketorolac), with no significant difference in pain.

Conclusions:

• Ketorolac trometamol injections are less effective than triamcinolone acetonide injections for short-term trigger digit symptom relief.
• Both treatments demonstrate comparable long-term efficacy for trigger digit resolution.