Comparison of Distraction Methods for Pain Relief of Trigger Finger Injection

Comparison of Distraction Methods for Pain Relief of Trigger Finger Injection

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the best distraction mechanism during trigger finger injection in the outpatient setting. Temporary discomfort from the needle prick is highly feared by patients and is often accompanied by significant acute pain and distress during routine corticosteroid injection in the orthopedic outpatient setting. This study aims to examine 4 different distraction methods and their efficacy in reducing perceived pain, which will be evaluate using the VAS (visual analog pain score.) The three distraction methods will be ethyl chloride spray, adjacent pinch, ethyl chloride spray and pinch, and "screen" or looking away method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Trigger Finger

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergies to lidocaine, betamethasone, infection, pregnancy, 3 prior injection to the digit