[Topical corticosteroid injection for 'trigger finger': good short-term results, but fairly high risk of recurrence].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short and long term results of trigger fingers treated with a local injection of corticosteroid.

DESIGN

Prospective analysis.

SETTING

'Zuiderziekenhuis', Department of General Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

METHOD

In 55 patients with 62 trigger fingers the affected flexor sheath was injected with a long-acting corticosteroid. All patients were followed up for at least one year.

RESULTS

With one or two steroid injections 60 of the 62 trigger fingers were treated successfully. During the follow-up period the cumulative recurrence rate was 33% after one year.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of trigger fingers with a local injection of steroids is a simple and safe procedure but the risk of recurrence in the first year is considerable.