300 Section - Ultrasonographic Appearance and Clinical Outcomes in Trigger Finger: A Correlational Study

Although previous studies have examined ultrasound findings in trigger finger, none have specifically correlated ultrasonographic parameters with functional disability or pain severity, and existing results on clinical severity remain inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the correlation between changes in ultrasonographic appearance and clinical outcomes in trigger finger.

Design:

This prospective analytic study included 58 trigger fingers that underwent ultrasound and clinical evaluations at baseline and three months following conservative treatment. Ultrasound parameters comprised first annular (A1) pulley thickness (axial view), as well as flexor tendon and volar plate thickness (sagittal view). Baseline hypervascularity was also assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Thai version of the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), and Green’s classification. Correlations between changes in ultrasound and clinical parameters were analyzed. Additionally, clinical characteristics were compared between fingers with and without positive color Doppler flow.

Results:

Changes in A1 pulley thickness significantly correlated with changes in disease severity (r = 0.36, p = 0.005) and VAS (r = 0.36, p = 0.006), but not PRWHE. No significant correlations were found for flexor tendon or volar plate thickness. Hypervascularity was not associated with differences in clinical characteristics.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonographic findings indicate that A1 pulley thickness is significantly correlated with pain severity and disease grading to a modest degree. Incorporating ultrasound evaluation of the A1 pulley for monitoring treatment outcomes may offer additional benefits and a more comprehensive approach.