From the Research
Trigger Point Injection Needle Size
- The recommended needle size for trigger point (myofascial trigger point) injection is not explicitly stated in most studies, but one study compared the efficacy of 21-, 23-, and 25-gauge needles for trigger point injection in myofascial pain syndrome of the upper- and middle-trapezius muscle 1.
- The study found that injections with 21- or 23-gauge needles were more effective in terms of health-related quality of life, but there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of pain intensity during injection or treatment efficacy 1.
- Another study used a 14-gauge needle for percutaneous surgical technique in the treatment of trigger finger and found it to be an effective, convenient, and cost-effective method with a low complication rate 2.
- A study on percutaneous needle release technique for trigger thumb used a specially designed needle (0.8×100 mm) with a planus tip and found it to be effective, less time-consuming, and safe for treating trigger thumb 3.
- There is no clear consensus on the optimal needle size for trigger point injection, and more research is needed to determine the most effective needle size for this procedure 1.