Clinical Outcomes of Collagenase Injections in Management of Dupuytren Contracture of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

Purpose: Dupuytren contracture is characterized by the formation of cords and nodules in the palm. Surgical release has historically been the definitive treatment. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has been used successfully as an alternative to surgery. The treatment of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures is the most challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CCH treatment for Dupuytren contracture of the PIP joint. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for CCH treatment of Dupuytren contracture at a single institution from January 2010 to April 2023. Data collected included pretreatment/posttreatment total flexion contracture and adverse events. Contractures were analyzed both by severity (high >40° and low <40°) and type (isolated PIP; combined metacarpophalangeal and PIP). Results: A total of 304 patients with 470 PIP joints treated were included. Digits with isolated and combined contractures each had an average pre-CCH treatment contracture of 51 (±23) degrees. Postmanipulations the contractures were 6 (±13) and 7 (±16) degrees, respectively. Clinical success (<5° residual contracture) and improvement (>50% correction of contracture) were associated with low severity contractures at postmanipulation. There were 256 adverse events recorded (54.5%), including 187 skin tears (39.8%), 68 cases of lymphadenopathy (14.5%), and one injection site infection (0.2%). High severity and combined contractures were independently associated with an increased incidence of skin tears upon manipulation. Conclusions: Collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment is effective for isolated or combined PIP joint contractures. Adverse events were associated with more severe contractures. Given the degree of improvement based on contracture severity, earlier intervention may provide better correction of contracture. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

EN: Medico-legal evaluation of a claim for Dupuytren's disease treatment: indication for surgery based on best evidence.

Background: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic and progressive fibroproliferative disease consisting of the progressive pathological fibrosis of the palmar fascia leading to permanent flexion and deficit of extension, with marked deformity and severe disability. Among treatment options, conservative and infiltrative therapies, physiotherapy, or surgery, with less invasive surgical options, are reported. The therapeutic planning, shared with the patient, must consider the severity of the disease, surgical risks, the functional, aesthetic, and occupational consequences, and the risk of recurrence. Case report: We describe a complicated clinical case that led her to a claim for compensation under presumed medical professional liability profiles. A female patient, 32-years-old, suffering from early symptomatic DD in the left non-dominant hand, underwent to palmar fasciotomy complicated by severe paraesthesia. In the re-surgery, vascular and nerve injury was found, leading to permanent disabling sequelae. Discussion: The early stage of DD, although symptomatic, without previous medical or infiltrative therapy, in a young subject with insulin-dependent diabetes and a high risk of recurrence contraindicated the surgical approach, especially palmar fasciotomy, according to the best evidence. The vascular-nervous lesion in the hand palm indicated a censurable surgical execution technique. The technical consultation ascertained the causal relationship between impairments and surgical malpractice, followed by compensation. Conclusion: The analysis of this case highlights the value of informed clinical practice to provide optimal care and mitigate the risks associated with the management of DD. The choice of possible treatment options must be tailored to the patient in accordance with the best evidence.

Limited fasciectomy with versus without autologous adipose tissue grafting for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture (REMEDY): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contracture is a hereditary disorder which causes progressive fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis of the hand, resulting in digital flexion contractures of the affected rays. Limited fasciectomy is a standard surgical treatment for Dupuytren's, and the one with the lowest recurrence rate; however, the recurrence is still relatively high (2-39%). Adipose-derived stem cells have been shown to inhibit Dupuytren's myofibroblasts proliferation and contractility in vitro, as well as to improve scar quality and skin regeneration in different types of surgeries. Autologous adipose tissue grafting has already been investigated as an adjuvant treatment to percutaneous needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture with good results, but it was only recently associated with limited fasciectomy. The purpose of REMEDY trial is to investigate if limited fasciectomy with autologous adipose tissue grafting would decrease recurrence compared to limited fasciectomy alone. METHODS: The REMEDY trial is a multi-centre open-label randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants (n = 150) will be randomised into two groups, limited fasciectomy with autologous adipose tissue grafting versus limited fasciectomy alone. The primary outcome is the recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture on any of the treated rays at 2 years postoperatively. The secondary outcomes are recurrence at 3 and 5 years, scar quality, complications, occurrence of algodystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome), patient-reported hand function, and hypodermal adipose tissue loss at 1 year postoperatively in a small subset of patients. DISCUSSION: The REMEDY trial is one of the first studies investigating limited fasciectomy associated with autologous adipose tissue grafting for Dupuytren's contracture, and, to our knowledge, the first one investigating long-term outcomes of this treatment. It will provide insight into possible benefits of combining adipose tissue grafting with limited fasciectomy, such as lower recurrence rate and improvement of scar quality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05067764, June 13, 2022.

The 'Universal Approach' for Dupuytren's disease: A safe and reproducible sequence for planning fasciectomy incisions.

Dupuytren's disease continues to present many challenges for the surgeon. A variety of surgical approaches and their variations have been described in the literature, further complicated by the degree of skin shortage and/or the need for local flap procedures or a full thickness skin graft. In the face of all these decisions - none of which is supported by Level 1 evidence - it can be very difficult to plan the best incision(s). We describe a safe and reproducible technique to plan fasciectomy incisions in primary or recurrent Dupuytren's disease. Our short communication and accompanying artwork demonstrates the anatomical landmarks and a simple decision-making algorithm based on just 3 key stages: (1) Proximal incision planning and execution of the palmar release(s); (2) Extension distally into the digit(s) based on the tissue quality, with either with zigzag (Brunner's) or a midline longitudinal (McIndoe) incision(s); (3) Flap assisted closure or coverage with a full thickness skin graft where required.

Molecular genetics of Dupuytren's contracture.

Dupuytren's contracture (DC) is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia characterised by the digits' flexion contractures and is associated with abnormal build-up of type III collagen. The prevalence of the disease is reported to be highest among Northern European descendants. However, the disease is widespread globally with varying prevalence. DC is a multifactorial disease, having both genetic and environmental factors contributing to the causality of the disease. Over the years, various studies have been conducted to understand the molecular mechanism and genetic aspects of DC but there is a lack of reports on the variants found in the exonic regions. Most reports are backdated making it necessary to re-evaluate the variants to further understand the genetic aetiology of DC. In this review, we first highlight the genetic aspects and previous genetic studies on DC. The report is followed by a discussion on the molecular pathways suggested to be associated with DC and a summary of the genetic variants in the exonic regions found in DC and their connections with the molecular pathways. A total of nine variants were reported originating from six genes comprising three pathways. Most variants reported are involved in the Wnt signalling pathway. Moreover, all variants identified are in European/Caucasian subjects and the variants found in the exonic regions are missense variants. A comparison of these findings with variants from populations of other regions can be conducted to identify the variants with the most occurrence to act as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DC.

Palmar Fibromatosis, Updated Review With Relationship to the A1 Pulley, Trigger Finger, and Presence of the Sonographic Comb Sign.

OBJECTIVES: Updated retrospective review of the sonographic appearance of palmar fibromatosis (PF) with evaluation of the utility of the Comb Sign previously described in plantar fibromas. Additional evaluation was conducted on the location relative to the flexor tendon, anatomic proximity of palmar fibromas to the A1 pulley and evaluate any potential association with trigger finger. METHODS: Medical record and imaging review was performed from 2017 to 2023, for patients with a new onset ultrasound or clinical diagnosis of PF. Clinical associations and imaging morphology were reviewed including presence of the Comb Sign, fibroma association with the A1 pulley, and fibroma association with trigger finger. RESULTS: Exactly 87 total fibromas in 53 patients were evaluated. The Comb Sign was present in 39% of fibromas, usually seen in transverse plane, more prevalent in multifocal disease and larger fibromas. Most (72%) palmar fibromas were within 1 cm of, contacted, or covered the A1 pulley (P < .001). Lateral extension beyond the flexor tendon axis can be seen (44%). Trigger finger and tenosynovitis were rare. However, volume and SI dimension of fibromas were associated with tenosynovitis (P < .0001) and all nine patients with concomitant trigger finger had fibromas within 1 cm from the A1 pulley. CONCLUSIONS: The Comb Sign can aid in sonographic diagnosis of PF. Lateral extension of fibromas can occur. Most palmar fibromas have a significant intimate association with the A1 pulley, and presence of trigger finger with adjacent palmar fibroma can exist and is important for hand surgeons to know preoperatively.

Sex Difference in the Treatment of Dupuytren's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the sex differences in enrollment into clinical trials for Dupuytren's disease (DD), treatment efficacy, and complications. Methods: Three databases were searched; Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL. Included studies were clinical trials on adult patients with DD. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies and other study designs. Two independent reviewers completed abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. The number and percentage of studies that reported ad hoc analyses for sex differences in treatment efficacy, tolerability, and complications were reported. A meta-analysis was performed on the proportion of female participants enrolled in clinical trials for DD. Results: A total of 3172 references were screened, and 59 studies were identified for full-text review. We identified 28 clinical trials for DD of which none reported secondary analyses for sex differences. Only 2 trials discussed sex differences in complications, and one trial reported sex differences in tolerability. The proportion of female participants in the meta-analysis was 19.5% [95% CI: 16.1-23.0%]. Conclusion: Sex differences in the clinical trials for DD are not widely considered in clinical trials despite their critical role. Males and females do not have equal representation in clinical trials for DD. Future studies should account for sex differences in the design and the analysis of clinical trials.

Objectif: La présente étude visait à évaluer les différences selon les sexes à l'égard de l'inscription à des études cliniques sur la maladie de Dupuytren (MD), l'efficacité du traitement et les complications. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont fouillé trois bases de données, soit Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE et EBSCO CINAHL et ont retenu les études cliniques sur les patients adultes atteints de MD. Ils ont exclu les études qui n'étaient pas rédigées en anglais et qui reposaient sur d'autres méthodologies. Deux analystes indépendants ont examiné les résumés, analysé les textes intégraux et extrait les données. Ils ont rendu compte du nombre et du pourcentage d'études qui ont fait état d'analyses ponctuelles sur les différences selon les sexes à l'égard de l'efficacité du traitement, de la tolérabilité et des complications. Ils ont procédé à une méta-analyse sur la proportion de participantes inscrites aux études cliniques sur la MD. Résultats: Au total, les chercheurs ont examiné 3172 références et ont retenu 59 études en vue d'en évaluer le texte intégral. Ils ont répertorié 28 études cliniques sur la MD, et aucune ne contenait d'analyses secondaires sur les différences selon les sexes. Seulement deux études abordaient les différences selon les sexes pour ce qui est des complications, et une étude constatait des différences selon les sexes quant à la tolérabilité. Dans la méta-analyse, la proportion de participantes s'élevait à 19,5% [IC à 95% : 16,1% à 23,0%]. Conclusion: On ne tient pas tellement compte des différences selon les sexes dans les études cliniques sur la MD, malgré leur rôle capital. Les hommes et les femmes ne sont pas représentés équitablement dans les essais cliniques sur la MD. De prochaines études devraient tenir compte des différences selon les sexes au moment d'établir la méthodologie des études cliniques et de les analyser.

Dupuytren's Contracture: Approach to Treatment and Counseling Patients in 2024.

Dupuytren disease is a progressive disease process that causes debilitating flexion contractures of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. There are multiple interventions to choose from, ranging from minimally invasive techniques with little downtime to open surgical excision with a lengthy postoperative rehabilitation. Our understanding of the disease process continues to evolve. Depending on the extent of flexion contracture, needle aponeurotomy and collagenase injection have satisfactory results with moderate long-term efficacy. Surgical palmar fasciectomy continues to be the mainstay treatment of extensive contractures, with durable results.

Biochemical and Histological Differences between Longitudinal and Vertical Fibres of Dupuytren's Palmar Aponeurosis and Innovative Clinical Implications.

Dupuytren's disease, a chronic and progressive fibroproliferative lesion of the hand, which affects the palmar fascia, has a recurrence rate after selective aponeurotomy of 20-40% at 5 years. This study focused, for the first time, on the microanatomical and histopathological characteristics of the longitudinal and vertical fibres (usually spared during surgery) in the aponeurosis with Dupuytren's disease, in different stages of the Tubiana's classification. Twelve human samples were collected and analysed by immunostaining, Total Collagen Assay, ELISA Immunoassay, and immunoblotting for the Von Willebrand factor, α-Sma, D2-40, CD-68, Total Collagen, Collagen-I and III, IL1ß, TNF-α to analyse the blood and lymphatic vascularization, the amount and distribution of collagen, and the inflammation. The results show a progressive increase in the arterial vascularization in the vertical fibres (from 8.8/mm2 in the early stage to 21.4/mm2 in stage 3/4), and a parallel progressive decrease in the lymphatic drainage (from 6.2/mm2 to 2.8/mm2), correlated with a local inflammatory context (increase in IL-1ß and TNF-α until the stage 2) in both the longitudinal and vertical fibres. The acute inflammation after stage 2 decreased, in favour of a fibrotic action, with the clear synthesis of new collagen (up to ~83 µg/mg), especially Collagen-I. These results clearly demonstrate the involvement of the septa of Legueu and Juvara in the disease pathology and the modifications with the disease's progression. A greater understanding of the pathology becomes fundamental for staging and the adequate therapeutic timing, to obtain the best morpho-functional result and the lowest risk of complications.

Soleful solutions: Advancements in treatment strategies for ledderhose disease.

INTRODUCTION: Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis) is a benign and progressive proliferative disorder of the plantar fascia that forms fixed and painful nodules within the fascia, causing functional disability and decreased quality of life. METHODS: we conducted a narrative review using Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and searched for the terms "Ledderhose disease" "plantar fibromatosis" "Ledderhose disease treatment" "plantar fibromatosis treatment" with further focused searches in Pubmed to supplement information regarding each intervention. RESULTS: many non-surgical therapeutic strategies are used in managing symptoms. These include pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. Surgical treatment is employed when these therapies are not able to control the symptoms. CONCLUSION: understanding and exploring effective treatment modalities for Ledderhose disease (LD) is important in improving the functional disability and quality of life. This review aims to showcase a general outline of the condition and illustrate the present treatments used to manage the disease. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level V.

Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Enhance Safety and Individualize Distraction of Severely Contracted Joints in Far-Advanced Dupuytren's Disease.

Background: Slow distraction of contracted joints is a well-established treatment in far-advanced stages of Dupuytren's disease (DD). To assess finger perfusion and avoid malperfusion, we studied near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate the maximum extent of distraction that would not harm microcirculation to the finger. This technique also allows an optimized treatment in accordance with sufficient blood perfusion during distraction. Methods: Eligible patients with stage IV finger contractures who needed treatment for Dupuytren's contracture were included and prospectively investigated. The operation was performed with local anaesthesia. First, the Dupuytren strand of the treated finger was dissected in the palm to allow distraction. Under X-ray control, the distraction device was applied. Then, slow distraction of the treated joint was performed to evaluate the finger perfusion. To assess perfusion of the treated finger, NIRS was used to measure tissue oxygen saturation. If impaired finger perfusion was detected, traction was reduced until sufficient oxygen levels and perfusion patterns were reestablished. Results: NIRS was performed after application of the distraction device in seven cases. We treated six male and one female patient (mean age 70 years, range 51-80 years). Rapid distraction resulted in malperfusion of the treated fingers. Using NIRS proved to render reliable and reproducible information on finger perfusion and oxygenation in all seven patients. Conclusions: Application of NIRS enhances safety in the treatment of far-advanced DD finger contractures with an external skeletal distraction device. It is non-invasive, reproducible, easy to use and allows for an individualized adapted distraction velocity.

Challenges and innovations in the surgical treatment of advanced Dupuytren disease by percutaneous needle fasciotomy: indications, limitations, and medico-legal implications.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren disease, a chronic thickening and retraction of the palmar aponeurosis of the hands, may result in permanent and progressive flexion of one or more fingers. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is a simple method that uses a hypodermic needle usually performed under local anaesthesia. The study aim was to report the postoperative results and complications using a percutaneous approach to treat Dupuytren contracture in a consecutive series of patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, also considering the relevant medico-legal implications. METHODS: Retrospective multicentre study of all patients with Tubiana stage 3-4 Dupuytren contracture treated with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, with no ultrasound assistance, from 2012 to 2022. Patient demographics, disease severity, treatment-related complications, and the incidence of recurrence were identified. An overview of therapeutic treatment options has accounted for 52 relevant sources spanning the 2007-2023 time period. RESULTS: Overall, 41.7% (N = 200) of patients were females, the mean age was 72 years (60-89), the right hand was treated in 54.2% (N = 260) of patients. The little finger was involved in 50% of the patients. The 12 months mean PED was 9°, the mean quickDASH was 8, the mean URAM 6. Minor complications were reported in 18.7% (N = 90) of patients, typically skin lacerations (83.3%) with no clinical sequelae, and no major complications were reported. Recurrence occurred in 30% (N = 144) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is safe and reliable even in patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, resulting in predictably acceptable outcome with low risk of complications.

Bias in published randomized trials that compare collagenase injection with percutaneous needle fasciotomy in the treatment of Dupuytren disease: a systematic review.

Purpose: Controversy exists regarding the comparative efficacy of collagenase injection and percutaneous needle fasciotomy in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have compared the two treatment methods have reported results mostly implying similar treatment efficacy, durability, and complications. We aimed to review these RCTs regarding methodical quality and risk of bias. Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library databases up to May 2023. All RCTs comparing collagenase injection with needle fasciotomy were included. Eligible articles were reviewed by two researchers, of whom one was blinded to each article's title, authors, year of publication, journal, and source of the studies. To assess methodical quality, we used the modified Jadad scale yielding a score of 0 (lowest quality) to 5 (highest quality). We assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). Results: Five studies were eligible, comprising 204 patients treated with collagenase injection and 209 patients treated with needle fasciotomy. The modified Jadad score ranged from 1 to 2 points in the five studies, and the overall risk of bias was high in all studies. Pretrial protocols could be retrieved for only two studies, revealing important discrepancies with the published articles. Conclusion: The published RCTs that have compared collagenase injection with needle fasciotomy in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture demonstrate a high risk of bias.

Adjuvant Treatment with Celecoxib after Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren Contracture: A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: In patients with a high recurrence risk after treatment for Dupuytren contracture (DC) by Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), adjuvant medical therapy may improve the outcome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used in the treatment of similar fibroproliferative processes. The aim of this study was to investigate if adjuvant anti-inflammatory medication could improve the outcome of CCH treatment for DC. Methods: In a prospective double blinded randomised trial, the effect of adjuvant peroral celecoxib on the outcome of DC treated with CCH was investigated in 32 patients with a high fibrosis diathesis. Primary outcome was the increase in Total Passive Extension Deficit (TPED)/ray. Secondary outcomes were the TPED of the individual finger joints, Tubiana index, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Results: A significantly greater improvement in the celecoxib group for TPED and metacarpophalangeal contracture was found. For the proximal interphalangeal joint, the effect was much less pronounced. The VAS for pain and satisfaction were better at 6 and 12 weeks in the celecoxib group. The other outcome parameters did not significantly differ between both groups. Conclusions: Adjuvant peroral administration of celecoxib might improve the gain in TPED after treatment with CCH in patients with DC and a high fibrosis diathesis, with a beneficial effect up to 24 months. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic).

Needle fasciotomy versus limited fasciectomy for the treatment of Dupuytren's contractures of the fingers (Hand-2): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contractures (DC) are fibrous cords under the skin of the hand that cause one or more fingers to curl gradually and irreversibly towards the palm. These contractures are usually painless but can cause a loss of hand function. Two treatments for Dupuytren's contractures are widely used within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK: removal of the contractures via surgery (limited fasciectomy) and division of the contractures via a needle inserted through the skin (needle fasciotomy). This study aims to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of needle fasciotomy (NF) versus limited fasciectomy (LF) for the treatment of DC in the NHS, in terms of patient-reported hand function and resource utilisation. METHODS/DESIGN: Hand-2 is a national multi-centre, two-arm, parallel-group randomised, non-inferiority trial. Patients will be eligible to join the trial if they are aged 18 years or older, have at least one previously untreated finger with a well-defined Dupuytren's contracture of 30° or greater that causes functional problems and is suitable for treatment with either LF or NF. Patients with a contracture of the distal interphalangeal joint only are ineligible. Eligible consenting patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive either NF or LF and will be followed up for 24 months post-treatment. A QuinteT Recruitment Intervention will be used to optimise recruitment. The primary outcome measure is the participant-reported assessment of hand function, assessed by the Hand Health Profile of the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) questionnaire at 12 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include other patient-reported measures, loss of finger movement, and cost-effectiveness, reported over the 24-month post-treatment. Embedded qualitative research will explore patient experiences and acceptability of treatment at 2 years post-surgery. DISCUSSION: This study will determine whether treatment with needle fasciotomy is non-inferior to limited fasciectomy in terms of patient-reported hand function at 12 months post-treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Registered Clinical/soCial sTudy ISRCTN12525655. Registered on 18th September 2020.

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for the Treatment of Dupuytren Disease: A Delphi-Based Consensus Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the consensus recommendations among hand surgeons who were experts in the use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) on the appropriate treatment of Dupuytren disease in well-defined patient populations with varying degrees of disease severity and functional impairment. Methods: A three-round, blinded, modified Delphi process examined panelists' approaches to CCH treatment of metacarpophalangeal (MP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures involving one or two fingers with varying degrees of severity. Clinical scenarios related to poor-quality skin, postfasciectomy scarring, boutonnière deformity, closed capsulotomy, and blood thinner use were also presented for panelist consideration. Panelists provided responses to clinical scenarios using a 5-point Likert scale or a yes/no response. Consensus was defined as ≥66.7% panelist agreement or disagreement. Results: Twenty panelists completed round 1; 19 of the 20 panelists completed rounds 2 and 3. Panelists achieved a high level of consensus for using CCH for the treatment of patients with palpable cords and varying severity contractures representing one- or two-finger MP joint contractures, most one- or two-finger PIP joint contractures, and most combined MP and PIP joint contractures. Consensus for the treatment of PIP joint contractures was mostly achieved, but clinical scenarios related to recurrent PIP contracture with poor-quality skin and/or significant postfasciectomy scarring, boutonnière deformity, PIP contractures >70°, closed capsulotomy, and blood thinner use were modified, and then most (95.3%) statements reached consensus for agreement in round 2. In round 3, open-ended responses indicated that panelists considered CCH appropriate for most patients with Dupuytren disease. Conclusions: Consensus-based findings among expert hand surgeons with substantial CCH experience indicated that CCH has a wide-ranging application for the treatment of Dupuytren disease in patients with varying degrees of disease severity and functional impairment. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic V.

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes with positive anti-nuclear antibodies: a case report from Sudan.

Background: Diabetic cheiroarthropathy, also known as limited joint mobility, is one of the long-standing complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It affects 8-50% of patients with type 1 diabetes and is also seen in type 2 diabetic patients. Consequently, it can mimic many rheumatological diseases and is often underdiagnosed. The authors present a case of a long-standing poorly controlled diabetes with diabetic cheiroarthropathy and diabetic neuropathy, along with positive ANA in the absence of any correlated autoimmune or rheumatological diseases. Case presentation: A 52-year-old female patient with poorly controlled diabetes (her last HbA1c reading was 9.5%) presented to the Rheumatology clinic with flexion deformities of the fingers. The patient has impaired vibration, two-point discrimination, and pinprick sensation in gloves and stock distribution, indicating peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathy in the forms of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and the diagnosis of diabetic cheiroarthropathy was made. Additionally, she has a positive prayer sign and a tabletop sign. Despite the absence of symptoms and signs of autoimmune disorders, this patient has positive anti-nuclear antibodies global (ANA positive by indirect immuno-fluorescence (IIF) 1\320 nucleolar pattern) with a negative: ANA profile, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA). Conclusion: Regular and careful hand examination should be part of clinical assessment for diabetic patients as it could be a very simple and useful screening tool for diabetic cheiroarthropathy. Physicians can use this condition as a mirror for microvascular complications of diabetes. This allows for early detection and appropriate interventions to prevent further progression of diabetes-related complications. It is also essential to consider the presence of positive ANA in diabetic cheiroarthropathy despite the absence of any rheumatological and autoimmune diseases.

Pre-operative hand therapy management of Dupuytren's disease: A systematic review.

Introduction: Dupuytren's Disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the hand, with a heterogenous pathogenesis, ranging from early-stage nodule development to late-stage digital contractures. Hand therapy intervention is not routinely provided pre-operatively. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the efficacy of hand therapy interventions provided for pre-operative Dupuytren's Disease. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of the databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, OVID Medline and OVID EMBASE, PubMed, BNI, Web of Science, with grey literature and reference searches conducted from database inception to April 2022, and confirmed in August 2023. Included studies required non-surgical intervention and outcome data on individuals with Dupuytren's Disease who have not had surgical intervention. Two reviewers conducted the searches, independently assessed eligibility and completed methodological quality assessments. Data were summarised narratively. Results: Seventeen studies were selected for final inclusion. Interventions included Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Corticosteroid Injection (CSI), Splinting, Massage and Stretching, Ultrasound Therapy (US), Temperature Controlled High Energy Adjustable Laser (THEAL). ESWT positively maintained or improved pain, active range of motion (AROM), Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and grip strength. US positively maintained or improved ROM and grip. Splinting positively maintained or improved ROM, CSI positively improved nodule size. Cross Frictional Massage positively impacted AROM and THEAL improved pain and DASH scores. Conclusions: Outcomes from therapeutic interventions for pre-operative management of Dupuytren's Disease were largely positive. However, there is a need for further high-quality research into these interventions to understand their full potential for the management of Dupuytren's Disease.

Long-term results of the Malingue technique in the surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

OBJECTIVES: The choice of surgical technique for aponeurectomy in Dupuytren's disease is controversial due to varying outcomes and complication rates. The Malingue plasty has shown mathematical and mechanical advantages, but long-term efficacy and results compared to other techniques have never been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term functional, esthetic and recurrence outcomes of Malingue plasty in Dupuytren's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients who underwent aponeurectomy with Malingue plasty performed by a highly experienced surgeon between January 2014 and December 2016, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Preoperative records were analyzed. At follow-up, extension lag was analyzed in each joint (metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal) in each operated finger, as well as signs of recurrence or extension of the disease. Function and esthetics were assessed using the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 107 eligible patients, 55 were included in the study after exclusions and loss to follow-up. Three patients required revision surgery for recurrence during follow-up. All preoperative deformities of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were corrected postoperatively, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Mean extension deficit at follow-up was 18.1 °. Only the little finger showed significant loss of correction (p = 0.02). Mean QuickDASH score was 13.2 and the overall Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score was 91.8%. Recurrence affected 50% of patients according to the Leclercq criteria and 27.5% according to the Felici criteria. CONCLUSION: Although Malingue plasty did not improve the recurrence rate in Dupuytren's disease compared with other techniques, its advantages in terms of functional improvement and complications make it an interesting surgical option.

The Effects of Shock Wave Therapy on the Symptoms and Function of Individuals With Dupuytren Disease: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pain, clinical and functional outcomes, and satisfaction of patients with Dupuytren disease. DATA SOURCES: A thorough search for all the study types published in English was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from inception to August 31, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Title and abstract and then full-text screening against eligibility criteria was performed independently by 2 reviewers, and a third reviewer achieved consensus. DATA EXTRACTION: Reviewers identified 26 studies, of which 6 were included in the analysis (145 cases). The methodological quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Assessments represented a remarkable improvement in the pain and function through the measurements including the visual analog scale, the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, and Mayo Wrist Score. Patients' satisfaction was also favorable using the Roles and Maudsley score. The hand grip strength improvement was noted in one study measured via a Jamar dynamometer. In addition, the ultrasonographic assessment of the nodules revealed a decrease in the size of the nodules in a patient with multiple bilateral nodules after the treatment. The quality of the included studies was good for all studies except for one that was fair. The certainty of evidence was moderate for pain and function and was low for patients' satisfaction and ultrasonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: ESWT can lead to significant pain improvement, functional rehabilitation, and patient satisfaction with no adverse effect in the management of Dupuytren disease. Pain may return over time, but not to that severity before the intervention. ESWT-related characteristics and the need for continuation of treatment remain to be fully elucidated in future large clinical trials.