A randomized comparison of ultrasound-guided versus landmark-based corticosteroid injection for trigger finger

Abstract

One hundred and four patients who had been diagnosed with trigger finger and were to be treated by corticosteroid injection were randomized into two groups; one for landmark-based injection and the other for ultrasound-guided injection. The response to treatment, including objective triggering, the visual analogue scale score for pain and the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score were assessed at 12- and 24-weeks follow-up. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in pain or QuickDASH scores at 24 weeks of follow-up. The incidences of adverse events were similar between the two groups. Ultrasound-guided steroid injection provides no benefit in treating trigger finger.