Publication: Short-term Functional Outcome of Corticosteroid Injection for Treatment of Trigger Finger in a Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Observational Study
Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal APF Hospital
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Trigger finger is a common cause of painful digital dysfunction resulting from impaired gliding of the flexor tendon beneath a thickened A1 pulley. Corticosteroid injection is widely used as a first-line intervention for Quinnell Grades II and III trigger finger, but short-term outcomes in Nepalese clinical settings remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate short-term pain reduction and clinical improvement following intralesional injection in these grades.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Orthopedics Department of a tertiary care center from April 3, 2023, to April 2, 2024. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref. No. 245). A convenience sampling technique was used. Each participant presenting with Quinnell Grade II or III trigger finger received a single intralesional injection containing 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate mixed with 1 ml of 2% lignocaine. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (0–100 mm) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Clinical resolution of triggering and any injection-related complications was systematically recorded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Visual Analogue Scale scores were analyzed using the paired t-test,
Results: The mean baseline Visual Analogue Scale score was 74.50±13.10 mm, which showed a significant reduction to 18.70±16.80 mm at 1 month and further to 13.50±10.50 mm at 3 months (p<0.001). Complete resolution of triggering was achieved in 39 (98%) of the cases. One (2%) patient experienced recurrence and subsequently underwent percutaneous release. A single (2%) case of superficial injection-site infection was recorded, with no major complications reported.
Conclusions: Intralesional corticosteroid injection produced marked short-term pain reduction and near-complete symptom resolution in Grade II and III trigger finger, with minimal complications. These findings support its role as an effective and practical first-line treatment in outpatient settings.
Description
Rajesh Shrestha
Department of Orthopedics, Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Balambu, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Rabindra Roy
Department of Orthopedics, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sano Bharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal .
Rajesh Kumar Jha
Department of Orthopedics, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sano Bharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal .
Shreejal Rijal
Department of Orthopedics, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sano Bharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal .
Rajdev Prasad Kushwaha
Department of Orthopedics, Narayani Hospital, Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal.
Keywords
corticosteroid injections, pain measurement, treatment outcome, trigger finger