Efficacy of Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Trigger Finger

Abstract

Objective:To assess the efficacy of local steroid injection in trigger finger. Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted at department of Orthopaedics,Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from March 2012 to 2013. Males and females with complain of trigger finger were included in this study during the specified period. All patients were injected depomedrol with plain xylocaine at the nodule site and functional outcome was assessed with respect to pain relief and finger movement. Results: Study included 43 patients with trigger finger.29 were males and 14 were females. Right hand fingers were involved in 24 patients, remaining had left hand fingers involvement. 10 involved the index finger,7 middle finger, 4 ring finger,10 little finger and 12 thumb. 9 patients had associated rheumatoid arthritis and 15 were known cases of diabetes. Remaining patients were primary with no known co-morbid. All patients had pain relief initially and regained movement of finger. 10 patients required repeated injection after 3 months. Maximum pain relief and regaining of movement after steroid injection was 4 months. Conclusion:Local steroid injection provides excellent symptomatic pain relief and regained movements without any complication in patients with trigger finger.