Corticosteroid Injection with or without Thumb Spica Cast for de Quervain Tenosynovitis

Abstract

Introduction: de Quervain tenosynovitis is a common condition presenting to Orthopedics Out Patient Department, treatment for which varies widely. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of treatment with Corticosteroid Injection and Corticosteroid Injection plus Thumb Spica Cast in de Quervain tenosynovitis.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-five randomly assigned patients received 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate with 1 ml of 2% lidocaine and the patients in Corticosteroid Injection and Corticosteroid Injection plus Thumb Spica Cast group received thumb spica cast as well. The primary outcome was assessed using treatment success rate, and the secondary outcome was assessed using Visual Analog Scale and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores.

Results: The treatment success rate was 89.7% in the Corticosteroid Injection and Corticosteroid Injection plus Thumb Spica Cast group and 50% in the Corticosteroid Injection group. Although both methods improved the patients’ conditions significantly in terms of relieving pain and functional ability at the final visit, Corticosteroid Injection plus Thumb Spica Cast group showed significant improvement (p value <0.001).

Conclusion: The combined technique of corticosteroid injection and thumb spica casting was better than injection alone in the treatment of de Quervain tenosynovitis in terms of treatment success and functional outcomes.