Comparison of Shock Wave Therapy and Splint Use for Treating Trigger Finger in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two common treatments for Trigger Finger TF, a condition also known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis. This study compares Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy ESWT and splint therapy, aiming to understand which approach is more effective for managing TF symptoms. The trial is a randomized controlled prospective study involving adult patients diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 2 trigger finger. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups ESWT alone, splint therapy alone, or a combination of ESWT and splint therapy. ESWT is applied to the A1 pulley at 15 Hz with 1000 shock wave impulses and 2.0 bar pressure, administered in five weekly sessions. The splint therapy involves using a trigger finger splint that immobilizes the metacarpophalangeal MCP joint, which participants are asked to wear throughout the day for eight weeks. Evaluations occur before treatment, immediately after eight weeks of treatment, and four weeks post-treatment at twelve weeks. Participants will undergo assessments including pain intensity measured by a visual analog scale, grip and pinch strength, number of triggering events, functional assessments, and treatment satisfaction. These evaluations take place at baseline, at the end of treatment 8 weeks, and four weeks after treatment ends 12 weeks. The study includes 54 participants, with 18 in each group, and aims to monitor treatment effects and satisfaction over a total follow-up of approximately three months.

Effectiveness of Conservative Interventions in the Treatment of Trigger Finger