From the Research
PRP therapy may be a viable treatment option for trigger finger, particularly for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments or wish to avoid surgery, as evidenced by a case report showing resolution of triggering after PRP injections 1.
Treatment Overview
PRP involves taking a sample of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this concentration into the affected tendon sheath. The treatment works by delivering growth factors and bioactive proteins that can promote healing and reduce inflammation in the affected finger tendon.
Current Evidence
While some preliminary studies show promising results with reduced pain and improved hand function, PRP remains somewhat experimental for trigger finger, with a recent study protocol aiming to investigate its efficacy compared to corticosteroid injection 2. Traditional treatments like rest, splinting, corticosteroid injections (typically triamcinolone 10-20mg), and surgery in severe cases are still more commonly recommended.
Considerations
A critical appraisal of adult trigger finger highlights the importance of considering the likelihood of success for each treatment method in different subpopulations, as well as cost-effectiveness 3. Open surgery has been shown to be superior to ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, with higher success rates at 1-year follow-up, although complications after open surgery can be more severe 4.
Recommendations
For trigger finger specifically, a typical protocol might involve 1-3 PRP injections spaced 2-4 weeks apart, with each session taking about 30 minutes. However, insurance coverage for PRP therapy may be limited due to its investigational status for this condition. Patients should be advised of the potential benefits and risks of PRP therapy, as well as alternative treatment options, to make an informed decision about their care.