We developed a protocol to maximize medical
therapy for "trigger finger." Fifty-eight patients with 77 episodes of flexor
tenosynovitis of the hand that was resistant to rest,
therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or splinting were treated with single or multiple
injections of
depo-
methylprednisolone acetate or
triamcinolone acetonide. Patients were prospectively followed up for an average of 4.6 years. Results showed that symptoms and signs resolved in 61% after a single injection. Recurrent episodes, after prolonged
pain-free intervals, occurred in 27% and were effectively re-treated with injection. In 12% of cases, either injection failed or early recurrence required surgical release. Local adverse reactions to injection, including
pain at the injection site, stiffness,
ecchymosis, or
atrophy of subcutaneous fat, were self-limited. No episodes of postinjection
infection or tendon
rupture occurred. The medical management of flexor
tenosynovitis with local
corticosteroid injection(s) is effective in nearly 90% of cases and is free from serious adverse reactions.