Effectiveness of Platelet-rich Plasma for Treatment of Trigger Finger

A Prospective Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial Comparing Platelet-rich Plasma and Corticosteroid Injection for Treatment of Trigger Finger

Study purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) injection in the treatment of trigger finger. We compare PRP to a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) injection in a prospective randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled study. Patients with clinically confirmed trigger finger are randomized (1:1:1 computer generated sequence with random block size) to three parallel groups and will receive an injection of either PRP, corticosteroid or placebo (0.9% saline) around the affected tendon sheath in a double-blind setting. Baseline data is collected and is followed by a phone call at 1 month, and follow-up visits at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the intervention. Unveiling of the allocation is at 6 months post-intervention. The primary outcome measures are: Symptom resolution Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Secondary outcomes: Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Pain Visual Analogue Score Global improvement (7-step Likert-scale) Grip strength Finger range of motion

4-step Likert (0 = no response; 1 = partial response, but not satisfactory, warranting further treatment; 2 = partial response, satisfactory, not warranting further treatment; 3 = complete resolution of symptoms and signs)

The PRWE comprises 15 questions to measure wrist pain and disability in daily activities. In PRWE patients rate wrist pain and disability from 0 to 10 and it consists two subscales: Pain and Function (0=best possible outcome, 10=worst possible outcome)

he QuickDASH is self-reported questionnaire and shortened version of DASH outcome measure to measure physical function and symptoms in people with any or multiple musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in 11 dimensions in 1-5 scale (1=best possible outcome, 5=worst possible outcome)

The VAS is derived by health care professional question of pain in scale 0 to 10 (0=no pain, 10=worst possible pain).

Global rating to treatment effect will be evaluated by question: "How would you rate the function of your hand compared to the situation before the treatment?". The options are in 5-step Likert scale from (-2) Much worse to (+2) Much better

Grip strength is measured with a dynamometer in kg as the mean of three measurements. It will be numbered in kg and percentage of the unaffected side.

Inclusion Criteria: Age 18 - 75 Symptom duration > 3 months Exclusion Criteria: Diabetes Rheumatoid arthritis or other condition requiring continuous oral corticosteroids Previous history of surgery or injection to the affected ray Alcohol or drug abuse Mental instability

Aspinen S, Nordback PH, Anttila T, Stjernberg-Salmela S, Ryhanen J, Kosola J. Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection for treatment of trigger finger: study protocol for a prospective randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. Trials. 2020 Nov 27;21(1):984. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04907-w.