Prospective study of the conservative treatment of trigger finger: evaluation of 131 fingers

Objective: To demonstrate the progression of individual trigger fingers treated conservatively by corticosteroid injection. Method: Data on 131 fingers subjected to corticosteroid injection was gathered from March 2006 to September 2007. Affected fingers were classified according to Green's classification. Results were assessed after 30, 60 and 180 days and no more than three injections were done per digit. Results: Results were described and evaluated according to the involvement grade and the affected digit. The dominant hand was the most affected; the thumb was the most affected individual digit. Most digits were grade II. At the end of treatment 115 fingers were symptom-free; only 16 digits required surgery. Conclusion: Corticosteroid injection is an effective, safe and low-cost method. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients and grade III B patients submitted to corticosteroid injection with no success may require surgery.