Are steroid injections effective for tenosynovitis of the hand?

Abstract

Yes. Steroid injections are an effective first-line therapy for flexor tenosynovitis of the hand, with a number needed to treat [NNT] of 2.3 for injection of steroids and lidocaine (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on 1 prospective RCT and low- quality studies). Injection into the tendon sheath may not be critical to a successful outcome (SOR: B, based on 1 prospective uncontrolled trial).