The Study’s Findings

The study reviewed 72 patients initially referred for surgical consultation but redirected to physical therapy (PT) first. The results demonstrated that:

• 22% (16 patients) saw symptom resolution with PT alone.
• 48.5% (35 patients) improved with a combination of PT and corticosteroid injections.
• Only 12.5% (9 patients) ultimately required surgery. These findings support the effectiveness of conservative treatment in managing trigger finger while reducing the number of unnecessary surgeries.

Why an Interdisciplinary Approach Works

The study emphasized an interdisciplinary approach involving physical therapists, primary care physicians, and hand surgeons. This approach benefits patients by:

1. Reducing Wait Times – Patients receive treatment sooner rather than waiting months for surgical consults.
2. Improving Outcomes – Conservative management methods like splinting, manual therapy, and corticosteroid injections can effectively alleviate symptoms in most cases.
3. Minimizing Surgery Needs – A structured pathway ensures surgery is a last resort, reducing healthcare costs and recovery time for patients.

What Conservative Management Includes

Patients in the study followed a stepwise treatment protocol, which included:

• Three initial physical therapy sessions focusing on manual therapy, tendon mobilization, and patient education.
• Splinting and activity modifications to reduce strain on affected fingers.
• Corticosteroid injections for cases that did not resolve with PT alone.
• Surgical referral only after failed conservative measures.

The Bigger Picture: Transforming Trigger Finger Care

Prioritizing conservative management through a structured, evidence-based pathway enhances patient outcomes while optimizing healthcare resource utilization.

Conclusion

The findings of Yanko et al. reinforce the importance of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to trigger finger management. By integrating physical therapy and conservative care as first-line treatments, healthcare providers can reduce the need for surgery while improving patient satisfaction and recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, consult with a healthcare provider about non-surgical treatment options first.

References:

• Yanko, E., Thomson, C., Bourassa, R., Gasmo, C., Le, T., & Crockett, K. (2025). A collaborative interdisciplinary approach for trigger finger management. Journal of Hand Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2024.12.003

(781) 591-7855

info@BSBortho.com

20 Walnut St

Suite 14

Wellesley MA 02481