Establishing an Efficient Care Paradigm for Trigger Finger

Abstract

Background: To identify the time course for efficacy of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of trigger finger.

Methods: A prospective single-center observational study was conducted, consisting of 38 patients with 41 trigger digits that were injected. Enrolled patients completed an initial Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire to determine the severity of their symptoms. Following the injection, patients were contacted at scheduled time points for up to 12 weeks to determine if, and when, objective resolution of symptoms occurred. Patients who received additional treatment, such as a second injection or surgery, and those who did not have objective relief of symptoms by 12 weeks were classified as failed. Upon symptom resolution or injection failure, patients were given a DASH exit questionnaire.

Results: 30 of 41 injected trigger digits resolved and 11 failed treatment with a single corticosteroid injection. The latest that any study participant experienced resolution of symptoms was 69 days. At 38 days, the rate of resolution of the study population slowed significantly.

Conclusions: Although symptomatic resolution of trigger finger from a single corticosteroid injection can occur early on, a follow-up of 4 weeks (28 days) does not allow enough time for symptom resolution. The earliest a surgeon and patient should consider a secondary treatment is at 38 days. After 69 days without resolution, both surgeon and patient can be confident that further treatment is needed.

Keywords: Patient reported outcomes; Trigger finger disorder.