The combination of hyaluronic acid and collagenase in the treatment of skin ulcers: an open, multicenter clinical study assessing safety and tolerability of Bionect Start®.

OBJECTIVE: Several clinical studies have shown that hyaluronic acid collagenase is well-tolerated and very effective in managing chronic venous ulcers. The aim of the present study is to confirm the safety and tolerability of daily application in patients suffering from cutaneous ulcers of different etiologies. The efficacy of the treatment and its impact on patients' quality of life are also assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of skin ulcer with devitalized/fibrinous/slough tissue that could delay the healing process were enrolled in the study. The hyaluronic acid/collagenase ointment was applied topically until wound closure or total debridement of non-viable tissue was achieved, however, with a limit of 30 days. Monitoring was performed weekly, either through outpatient visits or telephone surveys. Assessments included adverse events, local irritation reactions, pain at dressing changes, and wound bed status. Patients were also requested to complete a quality-of-life questionnaire. RESULTS: The study involved 96 patients with a mean age of 71 years. The patients suffered mainly from traumatic (21.9%), venous (15.6%), or pressure ulcers (12.5%); in 26% of cases, ulcers had mixed etiology. In approximately 32% of patients, the ulcer had been present for more than 6 months, and 18.1% of subjects had previously undergone surgical wound debridement. CONCLUSIONS: Daily application of hyaluronic acid-collagenase achieved the following results: i) absence of adverse events related to the use of the product; ii) significant reduction in the degree of localized irritation and pain at dressing changes; iii) significant support to wound bed preparation; iv) trend towards improvement in the quality of life and health status of the patients.

Surgery, Needle Fasciotomy, or Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren Contracture : A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgery, needle fasciotomy, and collagenase injection are used to treat Dupuytren contracture. The treatment decision requires balancing initial morbidity and costs of surgery against its potential long-term benefits over needle fasciotomy and collagenase. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of surgery, needle fasciotomy, and collagenase injection at 3 months and 2 years (secondary time points of the trial). DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized, outcome assessor-blinded, superiority trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03192020). SETTING: 6 public hospitals in Finland. PARTICIPANTS: 302 persons with treatment-naive Dupuytren contracture (contracture angle <135°). INTERVENTION: Surgery (n = 101), needle fasciotomy (n = 101), or collagenase (n = 100). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the success rate, defined as greater than 50% contracture release and patients reaching the patient acceptable symptom state. Secondary outcomes included hand function, pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction, residual contracture angle, finger flexion, risk for retreatment, and serious adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 292 (97%) and 284 (94%) participants completed the 3-month and 2-year follow-ups. Success rates were similar at 3 months: 71% (95% CI, 62% to 80%) for surgery, 73% (CI, 64% to 82%) for needle fasciotomy, and 73% (CI, 64% to 82%) for collagenase. At 2 years, surgery had superior success rates compared with both needle fasciotomy (78% vs. 50%; adjusted risk difference [aRD], 0.30 [CI, 0.17 to 0.43]) and collagenase (78% vs. 65%; aRD, 0.13 [CI, 0.01 to 0.26]). Secondary analyses paralleled with the primary analysis. LIMITATION: Participants were not blinded. CONCLUSION: Initial outcomes are similar between the treatments, but at 2 years success rates were maintained in the surgery group but were lower with both needle fasciotomy and collagenase despite retreatments. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Research Council of Finland.

Anti-inflammatory effects of sericin and swimming exercise in treating experimental Achilles tendinopathy in rat.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of combining sericin with swimming exercise as a treatment for type-I collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy (AT) in rats, with a focus on inflammatory cytokines. An experimental AT model was established using type-I collagenase in male Sprague-Dawley rats, categorized into five groups: Group 1 (Control + Saline), Group 2 (AT), Group 3 (AT + exercise), Group 4 (AT + sericin), and Group 5 (AT + sericin + exercise). Intratendinous sericin administration (0.8 g/kg/mL) took place from days 3 to 6, coupled with 30 min daily swimming exercise sessions (5 days/week, 4 weeks). Serum samples were analyzed using ELISA for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and total antioxidant-oxidant status (TAS-TOS), alongside histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments of Achilles tendon samples. Elevated TNF-α and IL-1ß and decreased IL-10 levels were evident in Group 2; Of these, TNF-α and IL-1ß were effectively reduced and IL-10 increased across all treatment groups, particularly groups 4 and 5. Serum TAS was notably lower in Group 2 and significantly increased in Group 5 compared to Group 2. Histopathologically, Group 2 displayed severe degeneration, irregular fibers, and round cell nuclei, while Group 5 exhibited decreased degeneration and spindle-shaped fibers. The Bonar score increased in Group 2 and decreased in groups 4 and 5. Collagen type-I alpha-1 (Col1A1) expression was notably lower in Group 2 (P = 0.001) and significantly increased in groups 4 and 5 compared to Group 2 (P = 0.011 and 0.028, respectively). This study underscores the potential of sericin and swimming exercises in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress linked to AT pathogenesis, presenting a promising combined therapeutic strategy.

Degradation Therapy with Collagenase and Deoxycholate.

Deoxycholate (deoxycholic acid) and collagenase are naturally occurring substances whose ability to degrade adipose tissue and collagen respectively has given rise to a variety of therapeutic applications. This article will discuss the indications for the use of deoxycholic acid, primarily its well-established role in the non-surgical reduction of submental fat, with a focus on patient assessment, procedural technique, risks, pitfalls, and key clinical tips. It will also review the indications for collagenase as a degradation therapy, its mechanism of action, and benefits in the management of wound healing, scarring, and adipose tissue modification.

Comparison of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum to Surgery for the Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: Since Food and Drug Administration approval of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie's disease, there has been significant debate regarding its role and comparable efficacy to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was performed of Peyronie's disease men treated with either collagenase C histolyticum + RestoreX penile traction therapy + sildenafil or penile surgery + RestoreX penile traction therapy + sildenafil, with 3-month data presented. Primary objectives were overall satisfaction, subjective changes in erectile function, penile sensation, penile length, and changes in the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain score. Secondary outcomes included objective changes in length, curve, adverse events, and other standardized and nonstandardized questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 40 men were enrolled, with 38 (collagenase C histolyticum group = 19, surgery group = 19) completing treatment and having 3-month data available. All demographic and clinicopathological variables were similar between groups. Following treatment, 50% of men in the collagenase C histolyticum group reported being very satisfied (vs 21% in the surgery group, P = .08) and noted better subjective erectile function (100% vs 68%, P = .03) and penile length (88% vs 16%, P < .0001), lesser impacts on penile sensation (75% vs 11% no change, P < .001), and similar International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain changes (+1.5 vs +2.5, P = .91). Objectively, men in the surgery group had greater curve improvements (84% vs 54%, P < .01) and higher rates of adverse events (50 vs 13 events, P < .001) but decreased penile length (-0.5 cm vs +1.0 cm, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: At 3 months posttreatment, collagenase C histolyticum + RestoreX penile traction therapy + sildenafil results in lesser curve improvements but greater penile length and fewer adverse events, including impacts on subjective erectile function and sensation, than men treated with surgery.

Combinación de colagenasa y ácido hialurónico en el abordaje de lesión por radiodermitis de Grado IV en carcinoma escamoso / Combination of collagenase and hyaluronic acid in the approach to grade IV radiodermitis lesion in squamous cell carcinoma

El carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) de la piel es la segunda forma más frecuente de cáncer de piel, caracterizado por el crecimiento anormal y acelerado de las células escamosas. Detectado a tiempo, la mayoría de los CCE se pueden curar. Puede aparecer como manchas rojas escamosas, llagas abiertas, piel áspera, engrosada o verrugosa, o crecimientos elevados con una depresión en el medio y puede formar costras, picar o sangrar y suele ser más habitual en zonas expuestas al sol. La radiodermitis es un problema habitual en personas que reciben radioterapia como tratamiento para el cáncer, apareciendo en más del 95% de los casos. La intensidad de la reacción depende del tipo de radiación, la dosis total y la dosis de fracción, el área afectada, latécnica de tratamiento, la administración simultánea de quimioterápicos, además de factores del propio individuo (enfermedades crónicas, tabaquismo, estado nutricional, etc.). Con este caso, nos disponemos a demostrar la eficacia de la combinación de colagenasa bacteriana y ácido hialurónico como un óptimo procedimiento para el abordaje de este tipo de lesiones. El uso de este producto en nuestra consulta en pacientes con diferentes etiologías y como procedimiento para el abordaje de preparación del lecho de la herida (PLH), nos animó a comprobar su eficacia en lesiones de estas características. (AU)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by the abnormal and accelerated growth of squamous cells. Detected early, most SCC can be healed. It may appear as red scaly patches, open sores, rough, thickened or warty skin, or raised growths with a depression in the middle and may crust, itch or bleed and is more common in sun-exposed areas. Radiodermitis is a common problem in people receiving radiationtherapy as a cancer treatment, occurring in more than 95% of cases. The intensity of the reaction depends on the type of radiation, the total dose and the fraction dose, the affected area, the treatment technique, the simultaneous administration of chemotherapy, as well as individual factors (chronic diseases, smoking, nutritional status, etc.). With this case, we will demonstrate the efficacy of the combination of bacterial collagenase and hyaluronic acid as an optimal procedure for the treatment of this type of wounds. The use of this product in our practice in patients with different etiologies and as a procedure for the wound bed preparation approach encouraged us to prove its efficacy in wounds of these characteristics. (AU)

Collagenase Treatment Versus Needle Fasciotomy for Single-Digit Dupuytren Contractures: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the available randomized controlled trial data comparing needle fasciotomy and collagenase treatment for single-digit Dupuytren contractures with a minimum of 3-year follow-up and determine whether one treatment is superior regarding contracture correction and functional outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching four databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the single-digit treatment outcomes for Dupuytren contracture comparing collagenase treatment and needle fasciotomy with a minimum of 3-year follow-up. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in anticipation of unobserved heterogeneity. The primary outcome measure was contracture recurrence. Secondary outcome measures included final fixed flexion contracture (FFC), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, and Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores. RESULTS: After screening 264 articles, 4 randomized clinical trials were eligible for final inclusion. One trial had a high risk of bias, and two trials had some concern for bias. The final meta-analysis included 347 patients, 169 who underwent collagenase treatment and 178 who underwent needle fasciotomy. No significant differences were noted between the groups in contracture recurrence, FFC, and URAM scores. The pooled data showed a higher QuickDASH score in the collagenase treatment group compared with the needle fasciotomy group, but the observed difference was less than what would be expected to be clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Needle fasciotomy and collagenase treatment have similar outcomes with regards to contracture recurrence, final FFC, QuickDASH scores, and URAM scores for the single-digit treatment for Dupuytren contracture at a minimum of 3-year follow-up. Relevant factors that may be considered during the shared decision-making process for treatment selection include surgeon and patient preferences, costs of treatment, and the disparate complication profiles of these two treatments. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Development process and clinical application of collagenase chemonucleolysis in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a narrative review in China.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common causes of lumbocrural pain. In the past 20 years, the incidence of LDH has increased dramatically. There are many treatments for LDH, including conservative treatment (such as acupuncture and physiotherapy), minimally invasive interventional treatment (such as collagenase chemonucleolysis and radiofrequency ablation) and surgical treatment. The main purpose of this paper is to review the development process and application status of collagenase chemonucleolysis in the treatment of LDH at home and abroad and provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Desbridamiento con colagenasa y ácido hialurónico en úlcera diabética / Debridement with collagenase and hyaluronic acid in diabetic ulcer

La diabetes mellitus al ser una enfermedad crónica puede causar muchos trastornos a los pacientes que la padecen. Una complicación habitual son las úlceras, hasta el 25% de los pacientes las padecen a lo largo de su vida, causando un grave trastorno en la calidad de vida de estos. Vamos a presentar el caso de una paciente de nuestra consulta que, tras realizar un debut diabético, portaba una úlcera en miembro inferior izquierdo de importantes dimensiones y una cantidad abundante de esfacelo y tejido no viable. Tras el uso en nuestra consulta de la colagenasa con ácido hialurónico como método de desbridamiento enzimático, pudimos apreciar la clara evolución favorable de la úlcera. (AU)

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can cause many disorders to patients who suffer from it. A common complication is ulcers, up to 25% of patients suffer from them throughout their lives, causing a serious disruption in their quality of life.We are going to present the case of a patient in our practice who, after a diabetic debut, had a large ulcer on the left lower limb and an abundant amount of slough and non-viable tissue. After the use of collagenase with hyaluronic acid as a method of enzymatic debridement in our practice, we could appreciate the clear favorable evolution of the ulcer. (AU)

Therapeutic effects of kartogenin on temporomandibular joint injury by activating the TGF-ß/SMAD pathway in rats.

Patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) usually suffer from pathology or malpositioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk, leading to the degenerative lesion of condyles. Kartogenin can promote the repair of damaged cartilage. This study aimed to explore whether intra-articular injection of kartogenin could alleviate the TMJ injury induced by type II collagenase. We measured the head withdrawal threshold and found that kartogenin alleviated the pain around TMD induced by type II collagenase. We observed the morphology of the condylar surface and found that kartogenin protected the integration of the condylar surface. We analyzed the density of the subchondral bone and found that kartogenin minimized the damage of TMJ injury to the subchondral bone. We next explored the histological changes and found that kartogenin increased the thickness of the proliferative layer and more collagen formation in the superficial layer. Then, to further ensure whether kartogenin promotes cell proliferation in the condyle, we performed immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The ratio of PCNA-positive cells was significantly increased in the kartogenin group. Next, immunofluorescence of TGF-ß1 and SMAD3 was performed to reveal that kartogenin activated the TGF-ß/SMAD pathway in the proliferative layer. In conclusion, kartogenin may have a therapeutic effect on TMJ injury by promoting cell proliferation in cartilage and subchondral bone. Kartogenin may be promising as an intra-articular injection agent to treat TMD.

Multiple courses of intralesional collagenase injections for Peyronie disease: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the original clinical trials evaluating intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Peyronie disease (PD), treatment protocols were limited to 8 injections. AIM: We sought to describe our single-center experience with the use of multiple rounds (>8 injections) of intralesional collagenase in patients with PD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with PD receiving intralesional collagenase injections at our institution from October 2015 through December 2020. Some patients who completed 1 round of treatment elected to undergo additional rounds (16 or 24 injections) based on persistent curvature and presence of penile plaque. Clinical improvement was defined as a 20% reduction in penile curvature from the start of a given round of treatment to the end of that round of treatment. We measured erect penile curvature before and after each round and collected demographics, medical and surgical history, curvature outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events. OUTCOME: The primary outcome was the reduction in penile curvature after multiple rounds of treatment with intralesional collagenase injections in patients with PD. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients underwent intralesional collagenase injections for PD, of whom 229 completed at least 8 injections and underwent pre- and posttreatment erect penile goniometry. An overall 42.8% (98/229), 38.6% (22/57), and 12.5% (1/8) of patients achieved clinical improvement after 1 round of therapy (8 injections), 2 rounds (16 injections), and 3 rounds (24 injections), respectively. Mean degree and mean percentage improvement of penile curvature for the start and end of each round of treatment were 8.3° and 16.4% (after 1 round), 7.2° and 16.8% (after 2 rounds), and 3.3° and 8.1% (after 3 rounds). Bruising was the most common complication, with an incidence of at least 50% in each round. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of patient responses to multiple rounds of intralesional collagenase injections may help guide physicians in management and counseling of patients regarding PD treatment options. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to evaluate multiple rounds (>8 injections) of intralesional collagenase for PD. Limitations include retrospective analysis and smaller sample size among patients undergoing 3 rounds (24 injections). CONCLUSION: For patients who did not achieve clinical improvement after 1 round of treatment, an additional round may be beneficial. However, no real improvement was observed for patients undergoing a third round.

Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Dupuytren Disease.

BACKGROUND: Revision procedures for recurrent Dupuytren disease (DD) can be difficult and carry a high risk of complications. Our goal was to describe surgical strategies used for cases of recurrence and report on their outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed 1 surgeon's operative cases for recurrent DD performed at 1 institution. Prior procedures included collagenase injection, percutaneous needle fasciotomy, or open surgical fasciectomy in the same digit or area of the hand. RESULTS: From January 1981 to December 2020, 54 procedures were performed on 33 patients for recurrent DD. Most patients were men (82%), had bilateral involvement (64%) and family history (52%), and some had ectopic disease in their feet (24%). The small finger was involved in 76% of the cases, and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint was involved in 83% of these digits. The procedures included 38 partial fasciectomies (72%), 12 dermofasciectomies (23%), 3 radical fasciectomies (6%), 1 of each needle fasciotomy, ray amputation, and PIP joint arthrodesis (2%). Twenty-three patients (43%) required full thickness skin grafts with an average area of 7.1 cm2 (range: 1-20 cm2). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the complexity of recurrent DD case management and found the treatment required for 95% of patients in this series was open partial fasciectomy with or without demofasciectomy. Full thickness skin grafting was necessary in nearly half of the cases.

Patients' perspectives of collagenase injection or needle fasciotomy and rehabilitation for Dupuytren disease, including hand function and occupational performance.

PURPOSE: To describe patients' perspectives of collagenase injection or needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren disease (DD) including hand therapy, and their view of hand function and occupational performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews were performed with twelve patients who had undergone non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation for DD. Data was analysed using a problem-driven content analysis using the model of Patient Evaluation Process as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: The participants' previous experiences influenced their expectations of the upcoming treatment and they needed information to be prepared for treatment. Treatment and rehabilitation had a positive impact on daily life and were regarded as effective and simple with quick recovery. However, there could be remaining issues with tenderness or stiffness. The participants expressed their belief in rehabilitation and how their own efforts could contribute to an improved result. Despite concerns about future recurrence participants described increased knowledge and sense of control regarding future needs. CONCLUSION: Undergoing a non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation process for DD was regarded as quick and easy and can meet the need for improved hand function and occupational performance. Taking responsibility for one's own rehabilitation was considered to influence the outcome positively. The theoretical framework optimally supported the exploration of participants' perspective.Implications for rehabilitationTreatment of Dupuytren Disease (DD) with needle/collagenase combined with hand therapy was experienced as giving fast improvement in hand function and occupational performance.An individualized care process which satisfies the need for knowledge about the disease, prognosis, treatment options and rehabilitation can give individuals suffering from DD a sense of security.The need for active participation in the DD care process can vary and it is crucial to listen to individuals' opinions and needs.Individuals can take considerable responsibility for rehabilitation after non-surgical treatment for DD and regard it as important for the outcome.

Intraventricular hemorrhage induces inflammatory brain damage with blood-brain barrier dysfunction in immature rats.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to characterize a preclinical model of intraventricular hemorrhage-induced brain damage (IVH-BD) in extremely low birth weight newborns (ELBWN), to identify potential therapeutic targets based on its pathophysiology. METHODS: IVH was induced in 1-day-old (P1) Wistar rats by left periventricular injection of clostridium collagenase (PVCC). At P6, P14, and P45 IVH-BD (area of damage, motor and cognitive deficits, Lactate/N-acetylaspartate ratio), white matter injury (WMI: ipsilateral hemisphere and corpus callosum atrophy, oligodendroglial population and myelin basic protein signal reduction), blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction (occludin and Mfsd2a expression, Gadolinium leakage) and inflammation (TNFα, TLR4, NFkB, and MMP9 expression; immune cell infiltration), excitotoxicity (Glutamate/N-acetylaspartate), and oxidative stress (protein nitrosylation) were assessed. Sham animals were similarly studied. RESULTS: IVH-BD leads to long-term WMI, resulting in motor and cognitive impairment, thus reproducing IVH-BD features in ELBWN. BBB dysfunction with increased permeability was observed at P6 and P14, coincident with an increased inflammatory response with TLR4 overexpression, increased TNFα production, and increased immune cell infiltration, as well as increased excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: This model reproduced some key hallmarks of IVH-BD in ELBWN. Inflammation associated with BBB dysfunction appears as relevant therapeutic target to prevent IVH-BD-induced WMI. IMPACT: Paraventricular injection of clostridium collagenase (PVCC) to 1-day-old Wistar rats uniquely reproduced the neuroimaging, histologic and functional characteristics of intraventricular hemorrhage-induced brain damage (IVH-BD) in extremely low birth weight newborns (ELBWN). PVCC-induced IVH triggered a prolonged inflammatory response associated with blood-brain barrier increased permeability, which in turn facilitates the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Thus, PVCC led to white matter injury (WMI) resulting in long-term motor and cognitive impairment. This model offers a valuable tool to obtain further insight into the mechanisms of IVH-BD in ELBWN and proposes some key therapeutic targets.

Three-Year Recurrence of Dupuytren Contracture after Needle Fasciotomy or Collagenase Injection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In this randomized controlled trial, the authors compared the recurrence of Dupuytren disease at 3 years following needle fasciotomy or collagenase injection treatment for isolated metacarpophalangeal joint contractures. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2013 and 2015. The study design was a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial with an independent blinded observer. Patients were randomized between collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections (Xiapex) and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (collagenase clostridium histolyticum versus percutaneous needle fasciotomy). A total of 36 patients were followed in the percutaneous needle fasciotomy group and 32 in the collagenase clostridium histolyticum group. RESULTS: Patients who were treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum had a significantly lower recurrence rate than patients treated with percutaneous needle fasciotomy during the 3-year period ( P = 0.007). Of the 36 patients who were followed in the percutaneous needle fasciotomy group, 17 (47%) had recurrence of extension deficit or progression of the disease leading to further treatment. Of the 32 patients who were followed in the collagenase clostridium histolyticum group, six (19%) had recurrence or progression. No serious adverse event was reported in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, we found less recurrence and progression of Dupuytren disease using collagenase injection as compared to percutaneous needle fasciotomy 3 years following treatment for isolated metacarpophalangeal joint contractures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.

Finger Joint Contractures 5 Years After Treatment for Dupuytren Disease: A Comparative Cohort Study of Collagenase Injection Versus Surgical Fasciectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare collagenase injection with surgical fasciectomy in Dupuytren disease (DD) for the prevalence of contracture in treated fingers 5 years after treatment. METHODS: This was a single-center, comparative cohort study comprising 2 cohorts of patients treated for DD in 1 or more of 3 ulnar fingers with collagenase injection (159 patients) or surgical fasciectomy (59 patients). At 5 years after treatment, 13 collagenase-treated and 8 fasciectomy-treated patients had undergone subsequent treatment on the treated fingers and were considered to have current contracture. Of the remaining patients, 112 collagenase-treated patients (128 hands, 180 fingers) and 46 fasciectomy-treated patients (49 hands, 63 fingers) attended follow-up evaluation performed by 2 independent examiners (participation rate 84% and 93%, respectively). We defined current contracture in a treated finger as an active extension deficit of ≥20° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint or a total (MCP + PIP) active extension deficit (TAED) of ≥30°. We used linear mixed models to analyze differences between the cohorts over time. RESULTS: In the collagenase cohort, current contracture was present in 45 (25%) MCP and 60 (33%) PIP joints, and in the fasciectomy cohort, current contracture was present in 12 MCP (19%) and 30 PIP (48%) joints; a TAED of ≥30° was present in 79 (44%) of the collagenase-treated and 30 (48%) of the fasciectomy-treated fingers. In MCP and PIP joints with ≥20° pretreatment contracture, complete correction was observed in 82 (56%) MCP and 30 (30%) PIP joints in the collagenase cohort and 23 (70%) MCP and 5 (16%) PIP joints in the fasciectomy cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 cohorts in the TAED change over time. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DD, collagenase injection and surgical fasciectomy improved finger joint contracture over the pretreatment status but had a high prevalence of joint contracture in the treated fingers 5 years after treatment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.