Steroid versus placebo injection for trigger finger

Abstract

The ability of a single injection of steroid and lidocaine to bring about cure of primary trigger finger was determined and compared with a control placebo injection of only lidocaine. Twenty-four patients were randomized to the therapeutic or control group and were followed prospectively. One physician administered the injection, another the clinical examination after injection, and a third evaluated the results blindly. Patients were not told to which group they were assigned. Nine of the 14 patients in the steroid group versus two of the ten patients in the placebo group were cured of trigger finger at final follow-up examination. After injection, seven patients had immediate but temporary relief of triggering because of flexor sheath distention. One injection cured 64% [corrected] of patients with primary trigger finger with no side effect and is the recommended nonsurgical treatment.