Ultrasound-guided needle release of A1 pulley combined with corticosteroid injection is more effective than ultrasound-guided needle release alone in the treatment of trigger finger

Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ultrasonography-guided needle release of A1 pulley combined with corticosteroid injection by comparing it with ultrasound-guided needle release of the A1 pulley alone. Methods A total of 49 patients (55 fingers, thumb) with trigger fingers were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-seven fingers were treated with ultrasound-guided needle release of the A1 pulley alone (monotherapy group), and 28 fingers were treated with needle release of the A1 pulley combined with corticosteroid injection (combination group). Visual analog scale (VAS), Froimson scale, postoperative recurrence rate, and thickness of A1 pulley at baseline, Week-2, Week-12, and Month-6 were recorded. Results Higher clinical cure rates were observed in the combination group at Week-2 after treatment among patients with the Froimson scale Grade III and IV (p < 0.05). Among Froimson scale Grade IV patients, the combination group had a significantly thinner thickness of A1 pulley and better articular pain relief at Week-2 (all p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the clinical cure rate, the thickness of the A1 pulley, articular pain relief, and recurrence rate between the two groups at Week-12 and Month-6 (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Ultrasonography-guided needle release of A1 pulley plus corticosteroid injection was superior to ultrasonography-guided A1 pulley needle release alone during early-stage treatment of severe patients with trigger fingers. Moreover, ultrasonography-guided A1 pulley needle release combined with corticosteroid injection narrows the thickness of the A1 pulley. It is necessary to carry out preoperative evaluation and individualized treatment for patients of various severities.