The Use Of Corticosteroid Injections In The Treatment Of Stenosing Tendovaginits (Trigger Finger): Three Comparative Case Studies

Stenosing tendinopathy in the hand commonly occurs at the A1 pulley at the metacarpophalangeal joint. It commences with palmar discomfort during movement, progresses to a painful ‘triggering’ as the patient flexes and extends the digit and ultimately may lead to locking of the digit. A number of treatment options are available – splints, corticosteroid injections and surgery being the most commonly offered. This paper reviews the outcome of three patients presenting with this condition and treated with corticosteroid injections, in the extended scope practice clinic run by a hand therapist. Whilst all patients gained some short-term benefit, two required further injections and one was finally referred for a surgical release. Further analysis of these outcomes highlights the implications of presenting signs and the differences in patient requirements.