From the Research
Needle Size for Trigger Point Injection
- The recommended needle size for trigger point injection is not explicitly stated in all studies, but some studies provide information on the needle sizes used:
- A study published in 1992 used a 21-gauge hypodermic needle for percutaneous release of the trigger finger 1.
- A study published in 2012 used a 14-gauge needle for percutaneous surgical technique in the treatment of trigger finger 2.
- A study published in 2009 compared the use of 21-, 23-, and 25-gauge needles for trigger point injection in myofascial pain syndrome and found no significant difference in terms of pain intensity during injection, but injections with 21- or 23-gauge needles were found to be more effective in terms of health-related quality of life 3.
- A study published in 2021 used a specially designed needle (0.8×100 mm) with a planus tip for percutaneous trigger thumb release 4.
- A study published in 2010 used miniscalpel-needle release, but the specific needle size was not mentioned 5.
Comparison of Needle Sizes
- The study published in 2009 compared the use of different needle sizes (21-, 23-, and 25-gauge) and found that injections with 21- or 23-gauge needles were more effective in terms of health-related quality of life 3.
- However, the same study found no significant difference in terms of pain intensity during injection between the three needle sizes 3.
Safety and Efficacy
- The studies suggest that percutaneous needle release techniques are effective and safe for treating trigger finger and thumb, with low complication rates 1, 2, 4.
- The study published in 2009 found that trigger point injections with 21-, 23-, or 25-gauge needles were effective in reducing pain and improving health-related quality of life, with no significant difference in terms of pain intensity during injection 3.