Trigger Finger Injection
As a treatment where significant symptoms. For symptom control prior to surgery. Diabetic patients
with cheiroarthropathy.
When to avoid injection
- If locked proximal interphalangeal joint / fixed flexion deformity
- (May be useful while waiting for surgery to give some symptomatic relief but not in isolation)
- If there is significant tendon damage
- Local or systemic infection
Risks and complications
Infection – very rare probably 1 in 15000
Skin depigmentation, dermal atrophy, adipose atrophy, particularly if injection too superficial
Tendon rupture – very rare in non-rheumatoid patients
Flare of symptoms
Increased blood sugars in diabetic patients, this may last for 3-7 days with significant elevation of blood sugars
Facial flushing particularly in ladies
Equipment
5ml of 1 or 2 % lidocaine, 5 ml syringe, drawing up needle.
Long orange needle 25mm, 25 guage
10- 20mg of triamcinolone or Kenalog in a separate 1ml syringe
Positioning
How patients are positioned during the procedure
The patient is asked to keep the hand as flat as possible, with the affected finger flexed. This assists with placing the needle in the midline of the finger.
Where to inject
After antiseptic application and under strict aseptic technique.
With the local anaesthetic first and the orange needle , at 30 degrees to the skin, entry point just proximal to the MCP skin crease, with the finger flexed, in line with the midline of the finger.
Infiltrate skin, subcutaneous tissue, feel the needle pass through the flexor sheath then extend the finger, continue injecting local anaesthetic, this should flow reasonable freely. Change the syringe, inject 10-20 mg of steroid.
Apply pressure for 5 minutes then a light dressing. Advise the patient to be cautious with use of the finger until normal sensation returns. Expect some discomfort for a day or two.
Pearls
Placing the needle at the base of the finger flexion crease often easier than placing it right at the A1 pulley in the hand. This is especially true if there is a large palpable nodule present. The patient is generally much less tender distal to the lesion at the A1 pulley.
Remind the patient that steroids take some time to have effect. Patients often wait 3-7 days to experience a difference in clinical symptoms.
Injections around the tendon sheath have been shown to have effect. If the injectate escapes the sheath and subcutaneous fluid is seen, the injection may still have effect.
To avoid potential complications of vascular or nerve ischemia, tissue necrosis, and serious damage to nerve, lidocaine with adrenaline should not be used.