Trigger Thumb: Results of a Prospective Randomised Study of Percutaneous Release with Steroid Injection Versus Steroid Injection Alone

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-seven trigger thumbs in 115 adult patients were randomised to either percutaneous release with steroid injection (n=66) or steroid injection alone (n=61). Two patients, one from each group, were lost to follow-up. Percutaneous release with steroid injection produced satisfactory results in 91% of cases whereas steroid injection alone produced satisfactory results in 47% of cases. One case in the percutaneous group developed stiffness and one in the injection group developed cellulitis. No digital nerve injury occurred in either group. We conclude that percutaneous trigger thumb release combined with steroid injection has a higher success rate than that of steroid injection alone.

The efficacy of local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of trigger finger

“…Similarly high success rate were recorded by Freiberg et al 93% [6], Cecen et al 83% [18] and Clark et al 83% [24]. Other studies have demonstrated lower success rates (Shakeel et al 70% [19], Kolind-Sorensenb 67% [3], DalaAli et al 66% [21], Murphy et al 64% [13], Rhoades et al 63% [25], Taras et al 62% [23], Lambert et al 60% [12], Maneerit et al 47% [14]). Sato et al [26] found the trigger cure rate of 57% with single injection and 86% after two injections.…”

“…[10]. In various studies, a single injection of corticosteroid relieved symptoms in 47-87% of patients with trigger finger [6,11,12,13,14].…”

Kinematical and functional improvements of trigger digits after sonographically assisted percutaneous release of the A1 pulley

“…However, clinicians may not describe this phenomenon quantitatively, so the literature generally presents the effectiveness of intervention using simple and convenient physical examinations, as well as patients' self-reported satisfaction questionnaires. 1,6,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Kinematics investigations may provide a new approach for quantifying the inappropriate movements of the trigger digit. For example, clinical experience is usually based on a four-or five-grade taxonomy.…”

“…In prior studies, researchers usually used simple physical examinations, such as clinical observations of range of motion (ROM) or movement abnormality and pain rating and selfreported satisfaction questionnaires to evaluate conditions before and after treatment. 1,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] With these methods, clinicians can easily and conveniently assess treatment outcomes; however, little research has focused on objectively assessing the efficacy of surgical release based on quantifiable measures. To describe hand movements thoroughly, uses of three-dimensional and dynamic goniometric measures to represent thumb and finger ROM based on computer-aided motion analysis techniques were recently reported.…”

Trigger of All Fingers in an 80 Years Old Male: A Case Report

“…Trigger finger is a common condition with a reported prevalence of 2% to 20% [1,2]. Generally, trigger finger affects women more than men and the age distribution is bimodal with one group below six years of age and the other in their fifth and sixth decade of lif.…”