Different Dosages of Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection for the Treatment of Trigger Finger and Thumb: A Randomized...

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and complications between 3 different dosages of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of trigger finger.

Ninety-three patients with a total of 120 trigger digits were included in the study. The involved digits were randomized to 3 groups. Each group received treatment consisting of injection with 5, 10 or 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide. The clinical response to the steroid was evaluated during the first six weeks after injection. The success rate was determined at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after injection.

After the injections, pain and triggering improved gradually and nearly resolved completely at 6 weeks in all dosages. A dose related pattern was found at 3 and 6 months after the injection. The 20 mg group had a significant higher success rate when compared to the 5 and 10 mg at 3 and 6 months. The 10 mg group has significant higher success rate when compare to 5 mg at 3 months. There were no differences of success rate between groups at 9 and 12 months. At 12 months, 7 of 40 digits (17.5%) in the 5 mg group, 7 of 40 digits (17.5%) in the 10 mg group, and 9 of 40 digit (22.5%) in the 20 mg group were without triggering (p = 0.806).

A dose-response characteristic was demonstrated in the treatment of trigger finger with triamcinolone acetonide. Triamcinolone acetonide 5 mg seems to have the lowest success rate.