Evaluation of the conservative treatment of Trigger finger by local instillation of corticosteroids

Abstract

Introduction: Trigger Finger (tenosynovitis stenosans) is a specific, named disease from a group of repetitive strain injury (RSI) diseases, caused by inflammation which results in difficulties during muscle contraction and weakened and painful tendon movement. It is common in the outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate the success of conservative treatment of Trigger Finger by local instillation of corticosteroids. Methods: The study was designed as an observational and open analysis of the results of conservative treatment of 45 patients. We used precise instillation of steroid anti-inflammatory antirheumatic drugs in the area of patho-anatomic, microtraumatic injuries of tendon and its sheath. Patients were evaluated before and after the treatment with 0 to 5 evaluation score scale. The data were analyzed using X2 test. Results: Most of the patients had evaluation score of 2, 3 and 4, before the treatment. After the treatment 10 (29%) patients had achieved score 4 and 35 (71%) patients had achieved score 5. All of the patients with score 5 had excellent working ability with full working capacity. Other patients had well-preserved working ability, which improved to excellent in maximum of 7 days. Conclusions: Conservative treatment of Trigger finger shows good therapeutic effects and taking into account the benefits, convenience and generally lower cost of conservative treatment for the patient, should be considered as an effective alternative to surgical treatment.

Keywords

• trigger finger
• conservative therapy
• corticosteroids