A long-term follow-up of the effect of repeated corticosteroid injections for stenosing tenovaginitis.

Ninety-three consecutive adult patients with stenosing tenovaginitis of 104 digits have been treated by corticosteroid injections repeated at three week intervals up to thrice in partial responders. At follow-up after 3-15 years, partial relapse had occurred in two patients, who now and then experienced triggering but without pain or locking. Complete relief of symptoms was obtained in 76%. There were no complications and the success rate was independent of sex, age, duration of symptoms, the digit involved, or associated diseases. These results are superior to those previously reported following a single injection.