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 Tenotomy for Dupuytren Boutonniere.

SUMMARY: Treatment of boutonniere Dupuytren disease is rare and is resistant to treatment because of altered tendon dynamics. The authors used a small dose of collagenase clostridium histolyticum for an enzymatic tenotomy of the distal interphalangeal joint and showed that hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal joint improved significantly. Fifteen patients with boutonniere Dupuytren disease with severe proximal interphalangeal joint contractures averaging -69 degrees of extension were included in the study. Ten patients had at least one previous intervention, including surgical fasciectomy, Digit Widget treatment, and needle aponeurotomy. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum enzymatic tenotomy was performed in-office as a wide-awake procedure. All patients received varying doses of collagenase clostridium histolyticum for volar Dupuytren disease enzymatic fasciotomy and 0.1 mg of collagenase clostridium histolyticum into the distal extensor tendon for tenotomy to treat boutonniere deformity at the same time. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum enzymatic tenotomy significantly improved total active motion of the finger by 41.0 degrees (p = 0.001). Loss of extension at both the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint also improved with gains of 11.7 (p = 0.04) and 20.7 degrees (p = 0.0005) of extension, respectively. The average distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension was improved from 29.7 degrees to 14.0 degrees (p = 0.002). The authors show that collagenase injection led to significant average improvement in joint contracture at all finger joints and significantly increased the arc of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint. Although collagenase has been previously used for flexion contractures in Dupuytren disease, we believe it has a role in treating the distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension deformity associated with boutonniere deformity in Dupuytren disease as well. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Preoperative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the position of the neurovascular bundle for Dupuytren's disease of the fifth digit.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contracture (DC) is a fibrosing disor-der that produces pathological subcutaneous nodules and cords in the normal fascia. The isolated occurrence of Dupuytren's disease of the fifth digit is uncommon. This study is aimed to describe the imaging features of an isolated digital cord of the small finger and its relationship with the neurovascular bundle. METHODS: A total of 13 hands in 13 patients who were clinically diagnosed with an isolated occurrence of Dupuytren's disease of the small finger were included between October 2008 and October 2013. Two independent radiologists used ultrasound and magnetic reso-nance imaging (MRI) to record size, signal or echogenicity, contrast enhancement or hyperemia, calcification, and anatomical features of the cord and its relationship with the neurovascular bundle. RESULTS: We found that ultrasound and MRI were accurate for the detection of the cords and neurovascular bundles in the small finger. The intermodality agreement between MRI and ultrasound was 100% for the detection of 6 spiraling bundles containing 13 isolated cords (46.2%). Among the subjects examined, 100% of the hands had ab-ductor digiti minimi (ADM) area involvement, and the distal insertion of the cord was on the ulnar side of the base of the middle phalanx. On MRI, all of the cords showed predominantly low signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. On ultrasound, the ulnar cord showed a hyperechoic or isoechoic appearance in 69.3% of hands and a hypoechoic appearance in 30.7% of hands. CONCLUSIONS: The spiraling of the bundle in the isolated occurrence of Dupuytren's disease at the small finger is a frequent occurrence. MRI and ultrasound are good imaging modalities for the evaluation of the relationship between the neurovascular bundle and the isolated cord.

Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose Disease, and Peyronie's Disease are at higher risk of arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful treatment for patients with late stage osteoarthritis, yet arthrofibrosis remains a consistent cause of TKA failure. Dupuytren's, Ledderhose and Peyronie's Diseases are related conditions of increased fibroblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to identify whether an association exists between these conditions and arthrofibrosis following TKA. METHODS: Patient records were queried from 2010 to 2016 using an administrative claims database to compare the rates of arthrofibrosis, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), lysis of adhesions (LOA), and revision TKA in patients with independent chart diagnoses of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases versus those without. Complications were queried and compared using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with Dupuytren's (n = 5,232) and Ledderhose (n = 50,716) had a significantly higher rate of ankylosis following TKA: 30-days (OR, 1.54; OR, 1.23), 90-days (OR, 1.20; OR, 1.24), 6-months (OR, 1.23; OR, 1.23), and 1-year (OR, 1.28; OR, 1.23), while patients with Peyronie's (n = 1,186) had a higher rate of diagnosis at 6-months (OR, 1.37) and 1-year (OR, 1.35). Patients with diagnoses of any of the fibroproliferative diseases had a statistically higher risk of MUA at 90-days, 6-month, and 1-year following primary TKA. These cohorts did not have a significantly higher rate of revision TKA. CONCLUSION: There is an increased odds risk of arthrofibrosis and MUA in patients who have undergone TKA and have a diagnosis of Dupuytren's Contracture, Ledderhose, or Peyronie's Diseases. Improvements to frequency and application of post-operative treatment should be considered in these cohorts to improve outcomes.

Vibrotactile perception in Dupuytren disease.

PURPOSE: Dupuytren disease (DD) has been associated with enlarged Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) and with PCs having a greater number of lamellae. Based on these associations, we hypothesized that subjects with DD would have altered sensitivity to high-frequency vibrations and that the changes would be more prominent at 250 Hz, where healthy subjects demonstrate the highest sensitivity. METHODS: A novel device was created to deliver vibrations of specific frequencies and amplitudes to the fingers and palm. Using a Psi-marginal adaptive algorithm, vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) were determined in 36 subjects with DD and 74 subjects without DD. Experiments were performed at 250 Hz and 500 Hz at the fingertip and palm. The VPTs were statistically analyzed with respect to disease status, age, gender, location tested, and frequency tested. RESULTS: We found that VPT increases with age, which agrees with findings by others. Women showed greater sensitivity (i.e. lower VPT) than men. Men exhibited lower sensitivity in DD versus healthy subjects, but the results were not statistically significant. In subjects with DD presenting unilaterally, the unaffected hand was more sensitive than the affected hand, in particular for a 250 Hz stimulus applied to the finger. CONCLUSIONS: The data on vibration sensitivity obtained from a large group of subjects with and without DD present interesting trends that may serve as a useful reference to future DD researchers. Understanding additional symptoms of DD may facilitate development of novel diagnostic or prognostic protocols.

A patient-reported outcome measure for patients with Dupuytren's disease.

INTRODUCTION: A Danish validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) specific to Dupuytren's disease (DD) does currently not exist. Such a PROM would be useful in the assessment of DD patients. The aim of this study was to translate the Southampton Dupuytren's Scoring Scheme (SDSS) into Danish and validate the translated version of the PROM. METHODS: The SDSS was translated according to guidelines by Swaine-Verdier et al. A total of 110 patients diagnosed with DD completed the translated SDSS and evaluated the PROM. The severity of DD was assessed clinically using the Tubiana classification method. In all, 16 patients treated with collagenase injections were re-evaluated with the SDSS and the Tubiana post treatment. The reliability of the SDSS was tested in terms of internal consistency expressed as Cronbach's alpha and test-retest expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validation was calculated by Spearman's correlation coefficient between the SDSS and the Tubiana, and the responsiveness of the PROM was tested using point-biserial correlation and standardised response mean (SRM). RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was 0.76 and an ICC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-0.93, p less-than 0.0001). Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.08-0.43, p = 0.007) preoperatively and 0.39 (95% CI: -0.13-0.74, p = 0.14) post treatment. The SRM was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.42-2.48), and the point-biserial correlation coefficient was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.03-0.81, p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The PROM shows good reliability, has substantial responsiveness to change and enjoys a high level of patient approval. The PROM is therefore recommended for patients with DD. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was reported to the Danish Data Protection Agency.

Development of a Patient-Based Goniometric System for the Assessment of Contracture Conditions in Dupuytren's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Treatment outcomes of Dupuytren's disease depend largely on degree of contracture and biological severity. Longitudinal assessment of each is crucial for effective care and long-term outcome assessment. Ideally, each Dupuytren's patient should have ongoing interval evaluations. Because of the large number of Dupuytren's patients, it would be impractical and costly for health care professionals to examine every patient in person on a regular basis. Patient-based evaluations might provide a useful and cost-effective alternative to office-based examination. METHODS: Finger goniometry is the standard metric for office-based evaluation of Dupuytren's disease. This study's goal was to develop a new patient-reported goniometric system. The authors developed a completely Web-based goniometric software for patients to use without supervision and without undue effort or cost. They then evaluated the validity and precision of the core measurement system and the reliability of its patient-based application. RESULTS: With a correlation of 0.992 (p < 0.01), a mean deviation of -0.25 degree, and a standard deviation of 2.74 degrees in patient-based application, the authors found their goniometric software to be comparable to practitioner-based, conventional goniometry. The authors believe patient-based goniometry to be a sufficiently accurate, valid, and reliable approach for longitudinal clinical assessment of Dupuytren's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-based goniometric approaches have great potential for inexpensive, accurate, and accessible longitudinal assessment of the large population of Dupuytren's patients. Such approaches could help to substantially improve overall care of Dupuytren's disease through early diagnosis and timely treatment. In addition, being able to collect reliable patient data on a regular basis and on a larger scale could help improve understanding of the natural history of Dupuytren's disease. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, I.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes after Collagenase Injection and Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren's Contracture: Objective and Subjective Comparisons with a 3-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effectiveness of injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum and percutaneous needle fasciotomy in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. METHODS: Patients with a total passive extension deficit of 30 degrees or more in a single digital ray were enrolled and assigned randomly to receive either collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections or percutaneous needle fasciotomy. Preoperative severity of proximal interphalangeal joint contracture for Dupuytren's disease was classified according to the British Society for Surgery of the Hand as less than 30 degrees (stage I) or 30 degrees or more (stage II). RESULTS: Of the 70 patients enrolled, 36 patients with 46 joints received collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections and 34 patients with 48 joints received percutaneous needle fasciotomy. At day 30, successful corrections were obtained in only 50 percent of the injection group and 67 percent of the fasciotomy group for stage II proximal interphalangeal joints. Recurrences were frequent among patients with stage II joint contractures. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score at day 30 was significantly higher in the injection group compared with the fasciotomy group (7.5 versus 4.2, respectively). In the injection group, adverse events were reported for all patients. In the fasciotomy group, complications were reported for 15 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The collagenase clostridium histolyticum and percutaneous needle fasciotomy groups had similar outcomes for Dupuytren's contracture with 3 years' follow-up. Recurrences were frequent among patients with stage II proximal interphalangeal joint contractures. The Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main scale and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score decreased significantly for both groups at final follow-up. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Tissue adaptation rate in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

STUDY DESIGN: Basic research (cross-sectional). INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren disease can cause disabling contractures of the finger joints. After partial fasciectomy, postoperative hand splinting helps to maintain extension range of motion. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To measure how the contraction forces of the finger on the splint change over time. METHODS: Subjects who were treated for Dupuytren contracture with partial fasciectomy were invited to participate in this study. Force sensors were placed in their dorsal extension splint, and the applied force was measured continually for several weeks. RESULTS: Eleven subjects (aged 59-75 years) with the metacarpophalangeal (8) or proximal interphalangeal (3) as their most severely affected finger joint participated. Each night, the measured force consistently decreased to reach a plateau after about 3 hour (adaptation time, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-31.8 hours). The time to reach this plateau decreased with time after surgery (≈5%/day, P = .0005, R2 = 0.08). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The observed rate of decrease in the measured force indicates a tissue adaptation time of approximately 3 hours.

Going beyond Activity and Participation: Development of the DIF-CHUM-A patient-reported outcome measure for individuals with Dupuytren's contracture.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional clinical measurement. INTRODUCTION: There are currently no Dupuytren's contracture (DC)-specific, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that can provide a thorough clinical portrait of the patients' perceptions with regard to the execution of regular activities. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to present the development of the Dupuytren's contracture Impact on Function-Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (DIF-CHUM), a DC-specific PRO. METHODS: The development process involved consultation of 45 individuals with DC and 7 health professionals, existing literature, and DC-specific PRO. RESULTS: The DIF-CHUM is composed of 2 sections: section 1, Activity and Participation includes 8 items per hand, scored on Difficulty and Change scales; section 2, General Impact includes up to 18 items, scored on Difficulty, Importance, Change and Satisfaction scales. Preliminary evidence suggests that the DIF-CHUM demonstrates good content validity. DISCUSSION: The DIF-CHUM is designed to be a patient-centered measure of Activity and Participation and Functional Competence for individuals with DC that will provide hand therapists with a unique perspective of the impact of DC on patients' lives. CONCLUSION: Further validation of the DIF-CHUM, including its scoring, is under way.

Experiences of men living with Dupuytren's disease-Consequences of the disease for hand function and daily activities.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive. INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic hand condition causing impairment in hand function. Research describing persons' experiences of living with DD is limited. Understanding the subjective experience of illness is valuable for planning and implementing health-care services. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To explore experiences among men living with an impaired hand function due to DD and the consequences of the disease for daily activities. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 21 men before surgery. The model of the patient evaluation process guided data collection. Data were analyzed using problem-driven content analysis. RESULTS: Participants described DD as a chronic disease caused by heredity, previous injury, hard work, or aging. DD was, according to the participants, an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition, causing a feeling of constant stiffness in the affected hand. DD could cause participants to have fear of hurting the hand, feelings of shame or embarrassment, and a sense of being old. Participants handled the deteriorating hand function by avoiding or refraining from activities, adapting their performance, or performing activities with less quality. The ideal hand function was seen as being able to use the hands without effort. DISCUSSION: The diverse experiences of DD and if the hand is experienced as something that causes distress can be understood further using body-self dialectic and Gadow's states of embodiment, as well as the process of adapting and learning to live with the functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical implication for hand therapy is to acknowledge patients' individual experiences and support self-modifications and development of new skills.

Segmental aponeurectomy with Z-Plasty as a treatment option in Dupuytren's disease: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Aponeurectomy remains the reference standard treatment for digit tethering by palmar fascial cords in Dupuytren's disease but is associated with a substantial complication rate. An alternative technique decreases metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) flexion contracture by combining palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty skin closure. The primary objective of this study was to assess range of motion of the operated ray after the procedure. The secondary objectives were to assess the complication rate and to determine the recurrence rate after at least 1 year. HYPOTHESIS: Palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure may provide the advantages of aponeurectomy while decreasing the surgical risk and recurrence rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 16 patients with predominant MCPJ flexion contracture due to a well-defined palmar fascial cord. Anaesthesia was loco-regional. The Z-plasty design involved a longitudinal incision along the palmar cord with an oblique incision at each end at a 60° angle to the longitudinal incision. The length of the aponeurectomy was about 1.5cm, to allow full MCPJ extension. RESULTS: In all, the 16 patients-13 males and 3 females-had 17 segmental palmar aponeurectomy procedures with Z-plasty closure. Mean operative time was 18minutes. Before surgery, mean loss of extension was 47° at the MCP joint and 15° at the corresponding proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). Immediately after surgery, a 97% improvement in MCPJ extension was noted, leaving a mean extension deficit of 1.25°. Mean follow-up was 18.9 months. No complications occurred. Two patients experienced a recurrence. DISCUSSION: Segmental palmar aponeurectomy as described by Moermans in 1991 improves extension similarly to extensive aponeurectomy but has a lower complication rate. Z-plasty provides good exposure of the pedicles and takes advantage of the greater pliability of the skin on either side of the cord to lengthen the skin by 75%, thereby limiting the risk of the complications seen with needle aponeurotomy. Segmental palmar aponeurectomy with Z-plasty has a role in the management of Dupuytren's disease with flexion contracture predominantly involving the MCPJ.

Collagenase injections for Dupuytren disease: 3-year treatment outcomes and predictors of recurrence in 89 hands.

Background and purpose - Few prospective studies have reported the long-term effect durability of collagenase injections for Dupuytren disease. We assessed the 3-year treatment outcome of collagenase injections and predictors of recurrence.Patients and methods - We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study. Indication for collagenase injection was palpable Dupuytren's cord and active extension deficit (AED) ≥ 20° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. From November 2012 through June 2013, we treated 86 consecutive patients (92 hands, 126 fingers). A hand therapist measured joint contracture before, 5 weeks, and 3 years after injection. The patients rated their treatment satisfaction. Primary outcome was proportion of treated joints with ≥ 20° AED worsening between the 5-week and 3-year measurements. We analyzed predictors of recurrence.Results - 3-year outcomes were available for 83 of the 86 patients (89 hands, 120 treated fingers). Between the 5-week and 3-year measurements, AED worsened by ≥ 20° in 17 MCP (14%) and 28 PIP (23%) joints. At 3 years, complete correction (passive extension deficit 0-5°) was present in 73% of MCP and 35% of PIP joints. Treatment of small finger PIP joint contracture, greater pretreatment contracture severity, and previous fasciectomy on the treated finger were statistically significant predictors of recurrence. Treatment satisfaction was rated as very satisfied or satisfied in 59 of 87 hands. No long-term treatment-related adverse events were observed.Interpretation - 3 years after collagenase injections for Dupuytren disease, improvement was maintained and treatment satisfaction reported in two-thirds of the treated hands, with no adverse events. Complete contracture correction was achieved in 3 of 4 MCP joints, but in only a third of the PIP joints.

Hand therapy or not following collagenase treatment for Dupuytren's contracture? Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contracture (DC) is a fibrotic hand condition in which one or more fingers develop progressive flexion deformities. Quality of life is diminished due to disabling limitations in performing everyday activities. For DC patients treated with collagenase, referral for subsequent hand therapy is inconsistent. It is unknown whether subsequent hand therapy is beneficial compared to no therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine whether hand therapy improves DC patients' performance of and satisfaction with performing everyday activities one year after collagenase treatment. METHODS: We will conduct a randomised controlled trial with two treatment groups (hand therapy vs. control) of DC patients who have received collagenase treatment. DC patients with contracted metacarpophalangeal joint(s) (MCPJ) (hand therapy, n = 40; control, n = 40) and those with proximal interphalangeal joint(s) (PIPJ) involvement (hand therapy, n = 40; control, n = 40) comprise two subgroups, and we will study if the treatment effect will be different between both groups (n = 160). Patients with a previous injury or treatment for DC in the treatment finger are excluded. Hand therapy includes oedema and scar management, splinting, movement exercises, and practice of everyday activities. The main outcome variable is patients' performance of and satisfaction with performing everyday activities, as assessed with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Secondary outcomes are DC-specific activity problems, as assessed with the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main scale, and active/passive flexion/extension of treated joints and grip force using standard measuring tools, and self-reported pain level. Demographic and clinical variables, degree of scarring, cold hypersensitivity, number of occupational sick-leave days are collected. Self-reported global impression of change will be used to assess patient satisfaction with change in hand function. Assessments are done pre-injection and 6 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year later. Standard univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be used to evaluate group differences. DISCUSSION: This study aims to assess whether hand therapy is beneficial for activity-related, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in DC patients after collagenase treatment. The results will provide an objective basis for determining whether hand therapy should be conducted after collagenase treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03580213 (April 5, 2018).

Could coenzyme Q10 be the treatment for Dupuytren's disease?

A patient with Dupuytren's disease noted progressive disappearance of the contractures of both hands over a 3-year period while taking coenzyme Q10 daily for an unrelated condition. The function and appearance of his hands were restored to almost normal.

Clostridium histolyticum as first-line treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal minimal invasive treatment for Dupuytren's contractures (DC) remains debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Clostridium histo-lyticum collagenase after 1-4 years of follow-up. The out-comes of this study were 1) overall improvements in degrees from baseline to follow-up; 2) contraction recurrence defined as an extension deficit above 20°, and 3) Hurst endpoint defined as an extension deficit below 5°. METHODS: All patients treated with C. histolyticum collagen-ase at the Regional Hospital Horsens from 2013 to 2016 with a minimum of one year of follow-up due to DC were included. The range of motion of the affected finger joint was measured before and immediately after injection and at follow-up. Specific information regarding known co-morbidities to DC was acquired. RESULTS: A total of 112 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and 47 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were included. Total improvement in the range of motion for MCP and PIP joints were 43° and 16°, respectively. The recurrence rate was 9% for MCP joints and 70% for PIP joints. 73% of MCP joints and 9% of PIP joints achieved the Hurst endpoint. 92% of the patients were willing to repeat treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Collagenase is a viable first-line treatment for MCP joint contractures. However, results are inferior in the PIP joint. FUNDING: This work was supported by the The Scientific Foundation of Horsens Regional Hospital (grant number 00.06-G01-1-17). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials ID NCT03331926.

Collagenase injections for Dupuytren's contracture: prospective cohort study in a public health setting.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease causes a flexion contracture of the hand that limits hand function and reduces quality of life. Traditional management is surgical excision which is associated with potentially serious complications. A viable alternative is collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) (Xiaflex®; Pfizer Australia) which is an effective, safe, outpatient treatment that to date has no published data in the Australian public health setting. METHODS: A prospective cohort, single centre study, enrolling 54 patients to treat 81 joints with CCH. Patients received a single dose to the cord followed by joint manipulation 48 h later. Primary endpoint was reduction in contracture to 0 to 5° of full extension assessed 4 weeks after injection. Secondary endpoints included range of motion, patient satisfaction and function as measured by the Southampton Dupuytren's Scoring Scheme (SDSS). RESULTS: Primary endpoint was achieved in 48% of joints (66% metacarpophalangeal and 19% proximal interphalangeal). Mean flexion contracture improved by 40o and 25o for metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, respectively. Mean active range of motion improved by 39o and 18o , respectively. At 30 days and 12 months, SDSS score demonstrated sustained improvement versus baseline (1.88 versus 8.24 P ≤ 0.0005 and 1.59 versus 8.07 P ≤ 0.0005). Sixty-eight percent of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied at 12-month follow-up. Side effects of treatment were minor; with oedema and bruising the most common (87% and 85%, respectively). CONCLUSION: CCH injections are a viable treatment for Dupuytren's contracture in the Australian public health setting.

Middle phalangectomy with shortening fusion of the fifth finger in Dupuytren's digital hooks.

Severe contracture of the little finger due to Dupuytren's disease continues to be a therapeutic problem. Fifth finger amputation, which is sometimes the only solution, has a major negative impact on function and appearance, and exposes the patient to adjacent digital hook aggravation. Middle phalangectomy with finger shortening fusion is an alternative surgical solution. The aim of this study was to report on a continuous series of 36 cases treated with this approach. This was a retrospective series of 33 patients (26 males and 7 females) operated from 1994 to 2015. All patients had severe contracture of their little finger and 30 had prior surgery. The combined extension lag was 143° (75-270), with considerable functional deficit and poor appearance. The surgical technique consisted of a dorsal approach, a more or less extensive excision of the middle phalanx, and arthrodesis with alignment of the remaining bone segments, while preserving the fingertip/nail complex. The following outcomes were determined when the patients were reviewed: functional discomfort and use, appearance, residual pain, pulp sensitivity, recurrence of contracture and overall satisfaction. Six patients were dead and two were lost to follow-up. Twenty-five patients (27 cases) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 64 months (12-280). There were no post-operative complications. Twenty-two patients (24 cases) were satisfied or very satisfied. The resulting appearance was graded at 7.13/10 (1-10). Pain on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale was 0.46 (0-5). Cold intolerance was found in 9 cases (33.3%) and decreased fingertip sensitivity in 3 cases (11.1%). The hand could be flattened in 21 cases; in the other cases, it could not be flattened due to contracture in another finger. Wearing gloves was again possible in 26 cases. Fusion was achieved in 18 of the 21 cases evaluated with X-rays at the last follow-up (85.7%). All the other cases had a non-union with no clinical repercussions. There were 5 local recurrences at the level of the little finger. Finger shortening through a dorsal approach seems to provide satisfactory outcomes in patients with Dupuytren's disease who have severe contracture of the little finger. This technique results in an acceptable looking functional finger, which has sensation and no significant morbidity.

Factors predicting the 1-year outcome of collagenase treatment for Dupuytren's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have investigated the clinical outcome after collagenase treatment for Dupuytren's disease in terms of range of motion of the affected finger. However, good objective clinical outcome defined by a small remaining flexion contracture does not necessarily translate into satisfactory patient-subjective hand function. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of patient-reported as well as objective clinical outcome in patients 1 year after collagenase treatment for Dupuytren's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Socio-demographic and disease-related data of 92 Dupuytren patients were collected prior to the intervention. Flexion contracture of the most affected finger was measured at baseline and 1 year after treatment. Patients also completed the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (brief MHQ) before the intervention and at 1-year follow-up. First, univariate correlations using Pearson's correlation coefficient of the baseline variables with the two target variables were investigated. All variables with r > 0.35 were selected for a multivariate linear stepwise backwards regression model. RESULTS: The mean brief MHQ score increased between baseline (72 ± 14) and the 1-year follow-up (85 ± 15) (p ≤ 0.001) and baseline flexion contracture decreased from 76° (± 26) to 33° (± 31) (p ≤ 0.001). Higher hand function at baseline (R2 = 0.31) and less flexion contracture (R2 = 0.46) were identified as positive predictors for the outcome 1 year after collagenase treatment for Dupuytren's disease. Other variables such as age, gender, manual work and if the MCP or PIP joint was affected did not determine outcome in our patient series. CONCLUSIONS: Collagenase treatment resulted in considerable improvement in flexion contracture as well as patient-reported hand function at the 1-year follow-up. Clinicians can expect better outcome after collagenase infiltration in patients with less flexion contracture and in patients showing good initial self-reported hand function.