Comparison of functional outcome between local steroid injection and percutaneous release of trigger finger

Abstract

The best modality for management of correctable triggering of fingers has remained controversial. This study focuses on the outcome of 2 minimally invasive techniques, the percutaneous release of A1 pulley and the local Corticosteroid injection. Aim of this Prospective study is to compare the functional outcome in terms of pain, remnant and recurrent triggering over a period of 6 months, in patients of trigger finger, treated with percutaneous release and steroid injection. For this study, 100 patients of grade 2 and 3 triggering of fingers underwent percutaneous release or steroid injection (50 each) randomly, and they were assessed repeatedly over a follow up period of 6 months. The analysis was done using a Green’s grading, Roles-Maudsley score and VAS Score. Results were analysed with graphical representation. Percutaneous release gave an excellent relief from triggering with no recurrence, and 98% success rate. Steroid injection had only 56% success rate with 22% recurrence at the end of 6 months (higher with grade 3). The roles Maudsley score was almost equal at the end of 6 months, with 98% patients having good and excellent results in both groups. Pain relief was immediate after the steroid injection but there was a relapse in a few patients by the end of 6 months (14% developed VAS Score 4 and higher). It took 1 month for pain to get relieved in the percutaneous group, but the relief was well sustained (96% had absolute relief in percutaneous group vs 66% in steroid group). The percutaneous release should be the preferred modality in all grade 2 and 3 trigger fingers with adequate analgesia for the 1st week post- procedure.