ESWT vs Orthosis in Trigger Finger Treatment: Prospective Randomized Clinical Study

Trigger finger, also called flexor digitorum stenosing tenosynovitis, is a pathological condition characterized by a size discrepancy between the flexor tendon/tendon sheath and the A1 pulley, located in the metacarpal head. This pathology causes pain and blockage of the flexion tendon of the finger, with a frequency of 2.6% in the general population, with a higher incidence in the female population, especially in the fifth and sixth decade. The 4th, 3rd and 1st fingers are most involved. trigger finger limits daily activities, such as grasping and holding objects with handles, manipulating coins and buttoning.

The diagnosis is based on the clinical history of transient locking of the finger when flexed with subsequent painful snapping when extended. The trigger phenomenon can be preceded by pain and joint stiffness. The instrumental study, with ultrasound and/or MRI, allows you to monitor the severity of the disease, identify the underlying cause and decide on the appropriate treatment. Surgical treatment should be reserved for those who do not respond to conservative treatment and desire definitive resolution.

A consensus was conducted to identify the consensus treatment guideline for trigger finger, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, orthoses, corticosteroid infiltration and percutaneous release, and surgery. No evidence was found to support the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There has been evidence regarding the use of an orthosis, because by immobilizing the finger joint, it would prevent the occurrence of a trigger. Corticosteroid infiltration was effective, albeit with shorter-term effects than the orthosis, with high rates of relapses and exacerbations after 6 months. Surgical treatment is reserved for those who do not benefit from conservative therapy and need a definitive result.