Percutaneous release of trigger digit with and without cortisone injection

Percutaneous release was done using the tip of an 18-gauge, 2.5-cm-long needle, mounted on a 3-mL(3) syringe in 225 trigger digits. It was successful in 92 (89%) of the digits without cortisone injection (n = 105) and in 115 (96%) of the digits with cortisone injection (n = 120). Negligible or intermittent pain persisted for 8 weeks in the noncortisone group and 6 weeks in the cortisone group after percutaneous release. Of the first 10 digits, 2 needed repeat percutaneous release. With modification of technique, the incidence of repeat percutaneous release was zero in both groups. Open release was needed in 8% in the noncortisone group and 3% in the cortisone group. The procedure was done under local infiltration anesthesia in the office. This reduced patient anxiety, inconvenience and hospital cost.