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.

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.

A Review of 1228 In-Office Hand Surgery Procedures With Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) at a Single Private Practice.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the complication rate of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique in the clinic setting with field sterility at a single private practice. We hypothesized that WALANT is safe and effective with a low complication rate. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included 1228 patients who underwent in-office WALANT hand procedures at a single private practice between 2015 and 2022. Patients were divided into groups based on type of procedure: carpal tunnel release, A1 pulley release, first dorsal compartment release, extensor tendon repair, mass excision, foreign body removal, and needle aponeurotomy. Patient demographics and complications were recorded; statistical comparisons of cohort demographics and risk factors for complications were completed, and P < .05 was considered significant for all statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The overall complication rate for all procedures was 2.77% for 1228 patients including A1 pulley release (n = 962, 2.7%), mass excision (n = 137, 3.7%), extensor tendon repair (n = 23, 4.3%), and first dorsal compartment release (n = 22, 8.3%). Carpal tunnel release, foreign body removal, and needle aponeurotomy groups experienced no complications. No adverse events (e.g. vasovagal reactions, digital ischemia, local anesthetic toxicity, inadequate vasoconstriction) were observed in any group. Patients with known autoimmune disorders and those who were currently smoking had a statistically significant higher complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Office-based WALANT procedures with field sterility are safe and effective for treating common hand maladies and have a similar complication profile when compared to historical controls from the standard operating room in an ambulatory center or hospital.

Ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release for treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

This study describes a new ultrasound-guided surgical technique for aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release in patients with Dupuytren's disease and analyses the clinical outcomes. We carried out a retrospective review of 70 digits in 35 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The primary outcome was the correction of the deformity and the QuickDASH questionnaire score after surgery and at 1 and 2 years. The secondary outcome was the presence of residual contracture immediately after surgery. The mean QuickDASH score fell from 28 before surgery to 14 after surgery. A significant decrease of -63° was observed for the global contracture, -35° the metacarpophalangeal joint contracture and -28° for the proximal interphalangeal joint contracture. Ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular and palmar plate releases are highly accurate and safe.Level of evidence: IV.

Improvement in the Appearance and Function of the Hand at 2 Weeks after Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren Disease.

Background: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) has been successfully used for the treatment of contracture bands in the hand in patients with Dupuytren disease. The aim of this study is to determine aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks following PNF in patients with Dupuytren contracture. Methods: Seventy-five patients undergoing PNF for Dupuytren disease during a 4-month period were included. Patients completed the Visual Analogue Appearance Score (VAAS), Derriford Appearance Score (DAS), and the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH) preoperatively and at 2 weeks after surgery. In addition, VAAS was done in the immediate postoperative period as well. Results: Seventy-four (99%) patients completed the immediate postoperative VAAS scores and 51 (68%) completed the VAAS, DAS, and QuickDASH at 2 weeks. Preoperative VAAS fell from 6.01 to 1.53 (p < 0.0001) immediately post operation. Two weeks later, VAAS increased to 2.91 but was still significantly lower than preoperatively (p < 0.0001). DAS was unchanged. QuickDASH decreased from 22.4 preoperatively to 12.1 2 weeks later (p = 0.001). Conclusion: PNF for Dupuytren contracture resulted in improvement in both aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks. Longer term follow-up is required to determine whether these improvements are sustained. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

An Overview of Dupuytren's Disease for Perioperative Nurses.

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative condition that causes shortening, thickening, and fibrosis of the palmar fascia and a flexion deformity of metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Although the etiology is unknown, a variety of risk factors, such as age greater than 50 years, male sex, family history, or tobacco and alcohol use may lead to disease development. At the present time there is no cure and symptoms may recur; however, surgical procedures (eg, limited fasciectomy) and nonsurgical treatment (eg, needle aponeurotomy, injection of collagenase clostridium histolyticum) can help patients manage the disease's symptoms. Patients may experience wound-healing complications after fasciectomy and skin fissures after needle aponeurotomy. Recurrence rates for needle aponeurotomy and collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection are similar. Perioperative nurses should provide individualized patient care during procedures, participate in effective team communication regarding patient needs, and provide patient education throughout the perioperative continuum.

Systematic Review Comparing Cost Analyses of Fasciectomy, Needle Aponeurotomy, and Collagenase Injection for Treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture: Une analyse de coûts systématique comparant la fasciectomie, l'aponévrotomie percutanée à l'aiguille et l'injection de collagénase pou traiter la maladie de Dupuytren.

PURPOSE: Surgeons now have a variety of treatment options for Dupuytren's contracture including traditional partial fasciectomy (PF), percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), and collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection. An important factor in clinical decision making is the cost-effectiveness of the various modalities, as will be discussed in this article. METHODS: A literature search was performed by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 14 articles and 3 abstracts met inclusion criteria. Papers were excluded for non-English language, insufficient breakdown of costs by treatment type, promotional materials, or works-in-progress. Cost data were extracted and subsequently converted to US dollars. Weighted means were used to objectively pool data that were sufficiently similar in methodology and population. RESULTS: Seven observational cohort studies were pooled and found to have a weighted mean cost in favour of PNA at US$3335 per patient as compared to CCH at US$3673.14 and PF at US$4734.14. Two expected-value decision analysis models were in agreement that PF is not cost-effective, but they differed on whether PNA or CCH was the most cost-effective strategy. Two cost minimization studies agreed that CCH was less costly than PF by US$486. One cost-benefit analysis found no significant cost benefit to CCH or PF, but found significant indirect benefit to CCH. Overall 10 of 17 studies found CCH to be superior with respect to direct cost, indirect cost, or both. Only 2 of the 17 studies found PF to be the most cost-effective method. Of the 7 studies that considered PNA, 4 found it to be lowest cost. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of studies found PF to be the most costly treatment modality; however, it is still the treatment of choice in certain clinical scenarios. It is difficult to compare CCH to PNA, as many studies did not consider PNA. More studies, especially considering indirect costs, are required to be able to accurately determine which method is most cost-effective.

OBJECTIF: Les chirurgiens possèdent désormais diverses options pour traiter la maladie de Dupuytren, y compris la fasciectomie partielle (FP) classique, l'aponévrotomie percutanée à l'aiguille (APA) et l'injection de collagénase issue du Clostridium histolyticum (CCH). Le rapport coût-efficacité des diverses modalités est un facteur important de la prise de décision clinique, comme on le verra dans le présent article. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Deux analystes indépendants ont procédé à une analyse bibliographique. Au total, 14 articles et trois résumés respectaient les critères d'inclusion. Les articles qui n'étaient pas rédigés en anglais, dont la ventilation des coûts par type de traitement était insuffisante, qui contenaient du matériel promotionnel ou qui rendaient compte de travaux en cours étaient exclus. Les chercheurs ont extrait les données sur les coûts et les ont converties en dollars américains. Ils ont utilisé les moyennes pondérées pour regrouper objectivement les données dont la méthodologie et la population étaient suffisamment semblables. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs ont regroupé quatre études de cohorte observationnelles et ont constaté que le coût moyen pondéré de l'APA, à 3 335 $ par patient, était plus favorable que celui de la CCH, à 3 673,14 $ et de la FP, à 4 734,14 $. Trois modèles d'analyse décisionnelle de la valeur attendue concluaient que la FP n'était pas rentable, mais divergeaient sur le coût de l'APA et de la CCH. Deux études de minimisation des coûts ont convenu que la CCH coûtait 486 $ de moins que la FP. Une analyse coût-bénéfice n'a pas établi de coûts-avantages significatifs pour la CCH ou la FP, mais a constaté des avantages indirects significatifs pour la CCH. Bref, selon 11 des 17 études, la CCH était supérieure sur le plan des coûts directs, des coûts indirects ou de ces deux coûts. Seulement deux des 17 études ont indiqué que la FP était la plus rentable. Sur les sept études qui évaluaient l'APA, quatre ont indiqué qu'il s'agissait de la moins coûteuse. CONCLUSION: La grande majorité des études ont établi que la FP était le traitement le plus coûteux, mais elle demeure à privilégier dans certains scénarios cliniques. Il est difficile de comparer la CCH à l'APA, car de nombreuses études n'évaluaient pas l'APA. Il faudra mener plus d'études, notamment sur les coûts indirects, pour déterminer la méthode qui est vraiment la plus rentable.

Dupuytren's Disease: An Outcomes-Focused Update.

Dupuytren's disease (DD) remains a common fibroproliferative condition with significant sequelae and impact on patient's lives. The etiology of DD is poorly understood, and genetic predisposition is thought to be a strongly associated factor. Despite remarkable strides in improving our molecular understanding of DD, clinical treatment options have not yet overcome the frequently encountered challenge of recurrence. Recurrence rates continue to shape the prognosis of this fibrotic condition. In this outcomes-focused article, the various treatment modalities are reviewed. This further emphasizes the importance of patient education and providing them with the information to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Dupuytren Contractures: An Update of Recent Literature.

Dupuytren disease is a fibroproliferative disorder that affects the palmar fascia of the hand and results in varying degrees of nodule and cord formation. Over time, patients may develop progressive contractures, impairing their ability to type, to perform with fine instruments, or to participate in social activities such as shaking hands. Treatment options for Dupuytren contractures include needle aponeurotomy (NA), injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) with manipulation of the digits, and surgical fasciectomy. Over the past decade, the use of CCH has increased. Recent studies have provided additional data regarding the pathophysiology, indications, outcomes, and costs associated with the treatment for Dupuytren contractures, and this review highlights these advances.

Dupuytren Disease Management Trends: A Survey of Hand Surgeons.

Background: Management of Dupuytren Disease is variable, and influenced by multiple factors including location, extent of disease, surgical preference and familiarity with different treatment techniques. The objective of this study was to determine current Dupuytren Disease management trends in Australia. Methods: A questionnaire was sent through The Australian Hand Surgery Society to all members. In addition to demographic data, indications and preferences for different management interventions were surveyed on location of disease, age and activity level of the patient. Results: 99 (48%) of the Australian Hand Surgery Society members completed the survey. Respondents were primarily Orthopaedic (50%) or Plastic (49%) Surgeons, and most worked in private (99%) and public (71%) practice. Surgeon's believed that Tubiana's treatment goals to correct deformity was the most important (60%) and to shorten post-operative recovery (60%) was the least important. Only 42% of respondents perform needle aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease. In contrast 70% of respondents perform collagenase injections, with manipulation most commonly undertaken on the second day (46%) and skin tears (52%) the most common complication. Seventy-five percent of the respondents feel there is sufficient evidence to support the treatment of Dupuytren disease with collagenase injections. Ninety nine percent of all respondents perform fasciectomes for Dupuytren Disease, with Limited (without graft) (76%) the most routine performed. Conclusions: Several procedural options for the treatment of Dupuytren Disease exist within Australia. This study shows current Australian practice trends and highlights the increasing use of collagenase.

[Non-surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease by using percutaneous needle aponeurotomy: A 10-year experience]. / Tratamiento no quirúrgico de la enfermedad de Dupuytren con aponeurotomía percutánea con aguja: 10 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar aponeurosis that leads to digital flexion contractures. This disabling condition can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure, called percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA). OBJECTIVE: To report the results of 10 years of experience treating Dupuytren's contracture by PNA in the rheumatology hand unit of our department. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with a description of method to perform PNA and analysis of post-procedure results. RESULTS: There were 197 patients with Dupuytren's disease. Ninety-eight patients (49.7%) underwent PNA, corresponding to 117 treated fingers. Good immediate results were achieved in 84% of the patients, with results being better in those with less advanced stages. Recurrences occurred in 12% of the patients. The complication rate was 1.7%. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the value of this technique especially in the early stages of Dupuytren's disease, with immediate satisfactory results and a low rate of complications.

Needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture- a prospective cohort study of 58 fingers with a median follow-up of 6.5 years.

Needle fasciotomy (NF) is a minimally invasive treatment option for Dupuytren contractures, but long-term results have indicated a high recurrence rate. This prospective study was initiated to monitor the introduction of NF in a context where limited fasciectomy had been the only treatment option, and to investigate the long-term results. The inclusion criterion was a palpable cord with a Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contracture in one or more fingers. Fifty-eight fingers in 42 patients (40 male and 2 female with a median age of 68 years) were treated by needle fasciotomy between November 2010 and March 2012, and were followed for a median of 6.5 years. The median total passive extension deficit (TPED) was 52° at baseline, but decreased significantly to 20° postoperatively. No severe adverse events such as nerve or tendon injuries were reported. At final-follow up of 48 fingers the median TPED was still significantly reduced to 23° for all fingers (p < 0.0001). Twenty-nine fingers retained full correction of the contracture, and in patients with recurrent contractures NF was preferred in 13 out of 17 patients. This study showed that needle fasciotomy is a safe procedure for Dupuytren's contracture, with excellent immediate reduction of the joint contracture and with a recurrence rate comparable to treatment by collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH).

Dupuytren Disease Management Trends: A Survey of Hand Surgeons.

Background: Indication for intervention in Dupuytren disease is influenced by many factors, including location and extent of disease, surgeon preference, and comfort level with different treatment techniques. The aim of this study was to determine current Dupuytren disease management trends. Methods: A questionnaire was sent through the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to all members. In addition to demographic data, questions focused on indications for different procedural interventions based on location of disease, age, and activity level of the patient. Results: Approximately 24% of respondents completed the survey. Respondents were mostly orthopedic surgeons in private practice who do not work with residents or fellows. Respondents preferred collagenase over needle aponeurotomy and limited fasciectomy for primary Dupuytren disease involving only the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Limited fasciectomy was the preferred treatment for primary Dupuytren disease involving the MCP and proximal interphalangeal joints. For a patient amenable to any treatment option, the majority would use collagenase, although 87.1% felt that fasciectomy offered the longest disease-free interval. Furthermore, given the option of a young, working patient, 42.7% would use collagenase, while plastic and general surgeons were more likely to treat this patient with limited fasciectomy. More plastic surgeons (vs orthopedic) believe that limited fasciectomy yields the longest disease-free interval. For a patient amenable to any surgical option, orthopedic surgeons prefer collagenase, whereas plastic hand surgeons prefer a limited fasciectomy. Conclusion: There are several procedural options for the treatment of Dupuytren disease. This study details current practice patterns among hand surgeons and reveals the increasingly prevalent use of collagenase.

Outcomes and Direct Costs of Needle Aponeurotomy, Collagenase Injection, and Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren Contracture.

PURPOSE: The aims of our study were to evaluate the rates and predictors of reinterventions and direct costs of 3 common treatments of Dupuytren contractures-needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injection, and surgical fasciectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 848 interventions for Dupuytren contracture in 350 patients treated by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2016. The treatments included needle aponeurotomy (NA) (n = 444), collagenase injection (n = 272), and open fasciectomy (n = 132). We collected information on demographics, contracture details, and comorbidities. Outcomes included reintervention rates, time to reintervention, and direct cost of treatments. Standardized costs were calculated by applying 2017 Medicare reimbursement to professional services and cost-to-charge ratios to hospital charges. RESULTS: Demographics were similar among the 3 treatment groups. The fifth finger was the most commonly affected digit including 43% of the NA, 60% of the collagenase, and 45% of the fasciectomy groups. The 2-year rates of reintervention following NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were 24%, 41%, and 4%, respectively, and the 5-year rates were 61%, 55%, and 4%, respectively. Younger age and severity of preintervention proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture were predictive of reintervention in the NA and collagenase groups. The standardized direct costs for NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were $624, $4,189, and $5,291, respectively. Including all reinterventions, the cumulative costs per digit following NA, collagenase, and surgery at 5 years were $1,540, $5,952, and $5,507, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with collagenase resulted in the highest rate of reintervention at 2 years, comparable reintervention rates to NA at 5 years, and the highest cumulative costs. The NA was the least expensive and resulted in longer duration before reintervention compared with collagenase. More severe PIP joint contractures and younger age at time of initial intervention were predictive of reintervention after collagenase and NA. Fasciectomy has a high initial cost but the lowest reintervention rate. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease.

Needle aponeurotomy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint contractures caused by Dupuytren disease. Multiple joints and digits can be safely treated in 1 session. Needle aponeurotomy is more cost-effective and has a significantly lower complication rate compared with open fasciectomy and collagenase injections. Recurrence rates are higher compared with open fasciectomy and collagenase injections. Patient satisfaction rates are high following needle aponeurotomy; the single clinic visit required and the minimal downtime after treatment are advantages unique to this procedure compared with other treatment modalities, including open fasciectomy, dermatofasciectomy, collagenase injections, and lipofilling.

Comparative Outcomes of Dupuytren Disease Treatment.

Despite more than a hundred years of publications on Dupuytren disease, there has been a lack of consensus on definitions and outcomes until recently. Staging and classifications systems have an important historical context; however, more recently, outcomes rely on patient-reported outcomes, angular correction, and definitions of recurrence. This article reviews commonly used assessments, classifications, and staging systems for Dupuytren disease.

Advances in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Dupuytren Disease.

A comparison is provided between minimally invasive techniques and limited fasciectomy (LF) in the treatment of Dupuytren disease. A technique called percutaneous needle aponeurotomy and lipofilling is described. In a randomized controlled trial, there is no significant difference between this technique and LF after 1 year in contracture correction and recurrent contractures. At 5 years postoperative, however, there is a significant change in recurrence rates in favor of LF. Patients with moderate diathesis should choose between minimally invasive technique with early recurrence, fast recovery, and few complications versus late recurrence, slower recovery, and more complications, as observed with LF or dermofasciectomy.

Variation in Treatment Recommendations for Dupuytren Disease.

PURPOSE: To examine agreement on Dupuytren disease (DD) treatment recommendations in an international sample of hand surgeons. METHODS: A survey was developed to determine expertise in needle aponeurotomy, surgery, and collagenase injection to treat DD and to examine treatment recommendations for 16 case scenarios. Case scenarios were predeveloped using expert input. Each case represented a unique combination of 4 dichotomous variables including cord thickness, contracture severity, patient age, and joint involvement. Interrater reliability statistics were calculated and multinomial logistic regression modeling and analysis of variance were used to examine the impact of surgeon- and case-related variables on treatment recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 36 hand surgeons from 9 countries (mean experience, 17 years) participated. Average pairwise percent agreement and Krippendorff's alpha were 26% and .012, respectively. Predictors of a recommendation for surgery over multiple options were a total contracture of greater than 70°, a thick precentral cord, involvement of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, and greater years in practice. A greater number of years in practice predicted recommendation for collagenase injection and the presence of a thick precentral cord predicted a recommendation for needle aponeurotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Little agreement exists on treatment recommendations for common presentations of DD in this sample. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further investigation into the sources of potential widespread discrepancies in the management of DD may improve the capacity to make evidence-based recommendations.

Ultrasonographic examination of the ruptured cord after collagenase treatment or needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture.

Local treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, either by collagenase or needle fasciotomy, allows disruption of the pathological cord during forced extension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cord before and after both treatments by ultrasound. A total of 39 patients with a minimum of 20° contracture in the metacarpophalangeal joint were included and randomized to treatment with either collagenase (20 patients) or needle fasciotomy (19 patients). The distance between the distal and the proximal parts of the ruptured cord was measured by ultrasound and the difference in passive joint movement before and after treatment was measured with a goniomenter. There were no significant differences between the collagenase and needle fasciotomy groups in the size of the rupture or gain of mobility. Most cords treated with collagenase and subsequent forced extension had the same ultrasonographic appearance as cords disrupted mechanically by needle fasciotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.