Recent advances in the understanding of Dupuytren's disease

How to Keep Myofibroblasts under Control: Culture of Mouse Skin Fibroblasts on Soft Substrates

During the physiological healing of skin wounds, fibroblasts recruited from the uninjured adjacent dermis and deeper subcutaneous fascia layers are transiently activated into myofibroblasts to first secrete and then contract collagen-rich extracellular matrix into a mechanically resistant scar. Scar tissue restores skin integrity after damage but comes at the expense of poor esthetics and loss of tissue function. Stiff scar matrix also mechanically activates various precursor cells into myofibroblasts in a positive feedback loop. Persistent myofibroblast activation results in pathologic accumulation of fibrous collagen and hypertrophic scarring, called fibrosis. Consequently, the mechanisms of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation and persistence are studied to develop antifibrotic and prohealing treatments. Mechanistic understanding often starts in a plastic cell culture dish. This can be problematic because contact of fibroblasts with tissue culture plastic or glass surfaces invariably generates myofibroblast phenotypes in standard culture. We describe a straight-forward method to produce soft cell culture surfaces for fibroblast isolation and continued culture and highlight key advantages and limitations of the approach. Adding a layer of elastic silicone polymer tunable to the softness of normal skin and the stiffness of pathologic scars allows to control mechanical fibroblast activation while preserving the simplicity of conventional 2-dimensional cell culture.

Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis

The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.

Routine Pathological Examination of Clinically Presumed Dupuytren Disease: Does It Add Value?

BACKGROUND

In surgery for Dupuytren disease (DD), palmar fascia specimens are routinely submitted for pathological evaluation. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of discordant diagnosis and the value of, and costs associated with, routine pathological analysis of palmar fascia tissue extracted in surgery for clinically diagnosed DD.

METHODS

All pathology reports for in-house palmar fascia specimens obtained in surgery for clinically diagnosed DD (time period: January 2001 to December 2020) were retrieved from one academic institution. All specimens were classified by a hierarchical free-text string matching algorithm (HFTSMA) and searched for evidence of malignancy. The primary outcome was percentage of concordant, discrepant, and discordant diagnoses. Secondary outcomes included anatomical location and costs. The HFTSMA was used to capture the anatomical location. Costs included professional, laboratory processing, and ancillary fees based on the Ontario Schedule of Benefits.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 1323 pathology reports, with 1480 palmar fascia specimens, from 1078 individual patients. By diagnosis, 96.1% of specimens (1422/1480) were concordant (fibromatosis), 3.9% (58/1480) were discrepant (scarring/fibrosis, benign fascia/connective tissue, or other benign findings), and 0% (0/1480) were discordant. The most common location was ring finger (n = 381, 48.7%). Ancillary testing was minimal. The cost per palmar fascia specimen was estimated to be CAD $34.57. The institutional costs were approximately CAD $2558.18/year.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine pathological examination of specimens in cases of clinically diagnosed DD does not yield additional clinically important findings and may not warrant their costs.

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

Dupuytren's disease, a chronic and progressive fibroproliferative lesion of the hand, which affects the palmar fascia, has a recurrence rate after selective aponeurotomy of 20-40% at 5 years. This study focused, for the first time, on the microanatomical and histopathological characteristics of the longitudinal and vertical fibres (usually spared during surgery) in the aponeurosis with Dupuytren's disease, in different stages of the Tubiana's classification. Twelve human samples were collected and analysed by immunostaining, Total Collagen Assay, ELISA Immunoassay, and immunoblotting for the Von Willebrand factor, α-Sma, D2-40, CD-68, Total Collagen, Collagen-I and III, IL1β, TNF-α to analyse the blood and lymphatic vascularization, the amount and distribution of collagen, and the inflammation. The results show a progressive increase in the arterial vascularization in the vertical fibres (from 8.8/mm2 in the early stage to 21.4/mm2 in stage 3/4), and a parallel progressive decrease in the lymphatic drainage (from 6.2/mm2 to 2.8/mm2), correlated with a local inflammatory context (increase in IL-1β and TNF-α until the stage 2) in both the longitudinal and vertical fibres. The acute inflammation after stage 2 decreased, in favour of a fibrotic action, with the clear synthesis of new collagen (up to ~83 µg/mg), especially Collagen-I. These results clearly demonstrate the involvement of the septa of Legueu and Juvara in the disease pathology and the modifications with the disease's progression. A greater understanding of the pathology becomes fundamental for staging and the adequate therapeutic timing, to obtain the best morpho-functional result and the lowest risk of complications.

A genome-wide association meta-analysis implicates Hedgehog and Notch signaling in Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a highly heritable fibrotic disorder of the hand with incompletely understood etiology. A number of genetic loci, including Wnt signaling members, have been previously identified. Our overall aim was to identify novel genetic loci, to prioritize genes within the loci for functional studies, and to assess genetic correlation with associated disorders. We performed a meta-analysis of six DD genome-wide association studies from three European countries and extensive bioinformatic follow-up analyses. Leveraging 11,320 cases and 47,023 controls, we identified 85 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms in 56 loci, of which 11 were novel, explaining 13.3-38.1% of disease variance. Gene prioritization implicated the Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways. We also identified a significant genetic correlation with frozen shoulder. The pathways identified highlight the potential for new therapeutic targets and provide a basis for additional mechanistic studies for a common disorder that can severely impact hand function.

[Medium-term Results after percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy in Dupuytren's Disease]

BACKGROUND

Dupuytren's disease often leads to an increasing limitation in finger extension in affected patients. As the incidence rises with age, the number of cases is expected to rise in the future due to the demographic change. Therefore, an easy and patient-oriented treatment is required. In the following study, we investigated the short and medium-term results after percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 65 fingers of 40 patients were treated with PNF. We evaluated the total passive deficit of extension (TPED), the passive deficit of extension of the joints (PED), the Buck-Gramcko score, rate of recurrence, DASH score and patient satisfaction. The average age of the patients was 65,9 years. Most of the patients (82%) were male.

RESULTS

Directly after the PNF, extension in the treated fingers improved significantly (TPED before PNF 74,6°±41,1 SD to 32,8°±29,0 SD after the procedure). By the time of the follow-up examination (30,2±13,9 SD months), TPED had increased again (52,7°±40,2 SD). The rate of recurrence was 29,7%, and a higher Tubiana stage before the procedure correlated significantly with a higher recurrence rate. Nevertheless, patients demonstrated a very high level of satisfaction with the procedure and almost all patients would choose to undergo PNF again.

CONCLUSION

Although it is associated with a relatively high recurrence rate, PNF represents an effective and patient-oriented treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Initial Treatment Choice Affects Cost-Effectiveness and Reintervention Rates for Dupuytren Contracture: A National Census Among Veterans Affairs Patients

BACKGROUND

A multitude of treatments for Dupuytren contracture are available, including both invasive and minimally invasive options. This study compares the reintervention rates and costs associated with various treatment options for Dupuytren disease (DD) within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration.

METHODS

Using the Corporate Data Warehouse, a national census was performed including all patients treated for DD in years 2014 to 2020 within the VA health care system. Patients treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), open fasciotomy, palmar fasciectomy, single finger fasciectomy, and multifinger fasciectomy were compared. The total cost of initial treatment was compared between modalities. The 5-year reintervention rates were compared using a Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 8530 patients were treated for DD (3501 fasciectomy, 3351 CCH, 880 PNA, 798 fasciotomy). The overall median treatment cost was found to be the least for PNA (P < .0001). The 5-year reintervention rates were significantly lower for single finger fasciectomy (6.5%), operative fasciotomy (8.2%), and palmar fasciectomy (9%) when compared with PNA (12.3%), multifinger fasciectomy (13.1%), and CCH (14.4%) (P < .001). However, reintervention rates were comparable between patients treated with PNA, multifinger fasciectomy, and CCH (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the VA population, PNA is the most affordable procedure per treatment episode and is associated with reintervention rates that are comparable to those of CCH. Multifinger fasciectomy, CCH, and PNA had comparable reintervention rates. The differences in reintervention rates may partially be explained by patients' willingness to consider additional treatment to correct any remaining or recurrent deformity.

Tardigrade and Manifold Sign: Two New Signs in Dupuytren's Disease

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar and digital fasciae. It is characterized by formation of nodules and fibrous cords that may eventually lead to contractures with permanent flexion of the finger joints. Correction of the flexion contractures in advanced disease is still performed by open limited fasciectomy; ultrasonography (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment is preferred for early disease.We provide an overview of the detailed anatomy of the palmar aponeurosis and the structures that may be involved in DD. Although magnetic resonance imaging is used as the gold standard, these small anatomical structures are often better visible on US. We describe two new morphological signs due to thickening of these small structures in patients with DD: the tardigrade sign and the manifold sign. Familiarity with detailed imaging anatomy and these new imaging signs of DD will help confirm a correct and early diagnosis and distinguish this disease from various other entities.

Dupuytren's disease: a localised and accessible human fibrotic disorder

We review the biology of Dupuytren's disease (DD), a common localised fibrotic disorder of the hand. The disease develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and epigenetic signalling. The early-stage disease nodules comprise a complex milieu of stromal and immune cells which interact to promote disease development. Recently, inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) locally resulted in softening and a decrease in nodule size, potentially controlling disease progression. Unlike fibrotic disorders of the visceral organs, the easy access to tissue in DD patients enables dissection of the cellular landscape and molecular signalling pathways. In addition, the study of DD may have wider benefits in enhancing our understanding of less-accessible fibrotic tissues.

The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair

Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.

Risk Factors for Dupuytren's Contracture: A Case-Control Study

Objective

To study the risk factors of Dupuytren's contracture (DC) and to provide a reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of DC.

Methods

The clinical data of 21 DC patients treated with surgery in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) from March 2014 to January 2022 were collected. During the same period, 31 subjects who were admitted to the hospital for treatment of finger numbness, difficulty in movement, and other reasons were selected as the control group, and the clinical data of the control group were collected. A case-control study was used to analyze the risk factors for DC. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to analyze the efficacy of blood biochemical indexes and coagulation-related indexes in predicting the occurrence of DC.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male and diabetes were independent risk factors for the occurrence of DC (HR = 19.69, 95%CI: 3.12-124.19, P = 0.002; HR = 7.61, 95%CI: 1.25-46.47, P = 0.03). The results of the ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the DC predicted by cystatin C was 0.7565 (95%CI: 0.6203-0.8928, P = 0.0018), and the AUC for the DC predicted by blood chloride level was 0.8121 (95%CI: 0.6880-0.9362, P = 0.0002), the AUC for the DC predicted by fibrinogen was 0.7796 (95%CI: 0.6439-0.9152, P = 0.0007), the AUC for the DC predicted by D-dimer level was 0.8740 (95%CI: 0.7812-0.9669, P < 0.0001), and the AUC for the DC predicted by thrombin time was 0.7803 (95%CI: 0.6411-0.9196, P = 0.0007). The AUC for the DC predicted by the combined detection of cystatin C, blood chloride, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and thrombin time was 0.9441 (95%CI: 0.8926-0.9957, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male and diabetes are independent risk factors for the occurrence of DC. Combined detection of cystatin C, blood chloride, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and thrombin time has a certain value in predicting the occurrence of DC.

The Deep Fascia and its Role in Chronic Pain & Pathological Conditions: A Review

INTRODUCTION

The deep fascia is a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels throughout our body. Its importance in chronically debilitating conditions has recently been brought to light. This work investigates changes in these tissues in pathological settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A state-of-the-art review was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar following a two-stage process. A first search was performed to identify main types of deep fasciae. A second search was performed to identify studies considering a deep fascia, common pathologies of this deep fascia and the associated alterations in tissue anatomy.

RESULTS

We find that five main deep fasciae pathologies are chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, Dupuytren's disease, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome. The corresponding fasciae are respectively the thoracolumbar fascia, the cervical fascia, the palmar fascia, the plantar fascia and the iliotibial tract. Pathological fascia is characterized by increased tissue stiffness along with alterations in myofibroblast activity and the extra-cellular matrix, both in terms of collagen and Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP) levels. Innervation changes such as increased density and sensitization of nociceptive nerve fibers are observed. Additionally, markers of inflammation such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells are documented. Pain originating from the deep fascia likely results from a combination of increased nerve density, sensitization and chronic nociceptive stimulation, whether physical or chemical.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathological fascia is characterized by changes in innervation, immunology and tissue contracture. Further investigation is required to best benefit both research opportunities and patient care.

A vasculature niche orchestrates stromal cell phenotype through PDGF signaling: Importance in human fibrotic disease

Tissue fibrotic diseases, for example of the liver and lung, represent a huge unmet medical need. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF), tissue imaging, and functional assays, we identify a complex vascular niche in Dupuytren’s disease (DD), a common localized fibrotic condition of the palm, where early-disease-stage tissue can be accessed readily. We uncover a population of myofibroblast precursors within the pericyte compartment and demonstrate that the endothelium instructs the differentiation of functionally distinct stromal cells, thereby orchestrating discrete microenvironments in the fibrotic milieu. Together, these findings provide a basis for the concept of targeting blood vessel signaling to control the progression of human fibrosis.

Fibrosis is characterized by excessive matrix protein accumulation and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in the Western world. The relative lack of effective antifibrotic therapeutics for the majority of these conditions reflects the difficulty in identifying targets for human fibrosis. Animal models fail to recapitulate all of the facets of human disease, and the limited clinical samples from patients with fibrosis of visceral organs are usually of late-stage disease [J. Nanchahal, B. Hinz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 113, 7291–7293 (2016)]. Here, we use Dupuytren’s disease (DD), a localized fibrotic condition of the hand, as a model to profile the vasculature niche of human fibrosis at single-cell resolution. Our spatially resolved molecular taxonomy of fibrotic blood vessels identifies distinct endothelial and pericyte populations and demonstrates a complex topological organization in the fibrotic microenvironment. In developing fibrosis, we show that the endothelium acts to promote immune regulatory fibroblast phenotype through platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling, thereby sustaining an immune cell–enriched perivascular niche. Moreover, we highlight pericytes as “housing” a putative myofibroblast precursor in DD. Overall, our results elucidate a tightly coupled vasculature niche in fibrosis that instructs the differentiation of functionally distinct stromal cells. These findings provide an important translational resource and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting blood vessel signaling in human fibrosis.

Quantitative predictive approaches for Dupuytren disease: a brief review and future perspectives

In this study we review the current state of the art for Dupuytren's disease (DD), while emphasising the need for a better integration of clinical, experimental and quantitative predictive approaches to understand the evolution of the disease and improve current treatments. We start with a brief review of the biology of this disease and current treatment approaches. Then, since certain aspects in the pathogenesis of this disorder have been compared to various biological aspects of wound healing and malignant processes, next we review some in silico (mathematical modelling and simulations) predictive approaches for complex multi-scale biological interactions occurring in wound healing and cancer. We also review the very few in silico approaches for DD, and emphasise the applicability of these approaches to address more biological questions related to this disease. We conclude by proposing new mathematical modelling and computational approaches for DD, which could be used in the absence of animal models to make qualitative and quantitative predictions about the evolution of this disease that could be further tested in vitro.

Multipotent stromal cells: One name, multiple identities

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are vital for development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They can differentiate along multiple connective lineages, but unlike most other stem/progenitor cells, they carry out various other functions while maintaining their developmental potential. MSCs function as damage sensors, respond to injury by fostering regeneration through secretion of trophic factors as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and contribute to fibrotic reparative processes when regeneration fails. Tissue-specific MSC identity, fate(s), and function(s) are being resolved through fate mapping coupled with single cell "omics," providing unparalleled insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.

The Italian version of the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) for Dupuytren's disease: The URAM-I(10)

Introduction

Several general hand functional assessment tools for Dupuytren's disease have been reported, but none of the patient-reported-outcome measures specific to Dupuytren's disease-associated disabilities are available in the Italian language. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) into Italian (URAM-I) and determine its measurement properties.

Methods

Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the current guidelines. Construct validity (convergent and divergent validity) was measured by comparing the URAM-I with the Pain-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE-I), Short-Form 36 (SF-36-I) scale and finger range of motion, respectively. Factor analysis was used to investigate the URAM-I's internal structure. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability by Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results

This study included 96 patients (males = 85%, age = 66.8 ± 9.3). Due to the cultural adaptation, we divided the original item #1 into two separate items, thus generating the URAM-I(10). Convergent validity analysis showed a strong positive (r = 0.67), significant (p < 0.01) Pearson's correlation with the PRWHE-I. Divergent validity analysis showed a weak, negative (r < 0.3) and not significant correlation with the SF-36-I subscales, except for the physical pain subscale (r = -0.21, p < 0.05). Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor, 4-item solution that explained 76% of the total variance. The URAM-I(10) demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.94) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97).

Conclusion

The URAM-I(10) demonstrates moderate construct validity, high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and showed a 2-factor internal structure. Its evaluative use can be suggested for the Italian Dupuytren's population.

Animal and Human Models of Tissue Repair and Fibrosis: An Introduction

Reductionist cell culture systems are not only convenient but essential to understand molecular mechanisms of myofibroblast activation and action in carefully controlled conditions. However, tissue myofibroblasts do not act in isolation and the complexity of tissue repair and fibrosis in humans cannot be captured even by the most elaborate culture models. Over the past five decades, numerous animal models have been developed to study different aspects of myofibroblast biology and interactions with other cells and extracellular matrix. The underlying principles can be broadly classified into: (1) organ injury by trauma such as prototypical full thickness skin wounds or burns; (2) mechanical challenges, such as pressure overload of the heart by ligature of the aorta or the pulmonary vein; (3) toxic injury, such as administration of bleomycin to lungs and carbon tetrachloride to the liver; (4) organ infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites, such as nematode infections of liver; (5) cytokine and inflammatory models, including local delivery or viral overexpression of active transforming growth factor beta; (6) "lifestyle" and metabolic models such as high-fat diet; and (7) various genetic models. We will briefly summarize the most widely used mouse models used to study myofibroblasts in tissue repair and fibrosis as well as genetic tools for manipulating myofibroblast repair functions in vivo.

A story of fibers and stress: Matrix-embedded signals for fibroblast activation in the skin

Our skin is continuously exposed to mechanical challenge, including shear, stretch, and compression. The extracellular matrix of the dermis is perfectly suited to resist these challenges and maintain integrity of normal skin even upon large strains. Fibroblasts are the key cells that interpret mechanical and chemical cues in their environment to turnover matrix and maintain homeostasis in the skin of healthy adults. Upon tissue injury, fibroblasts and an exclusive selection of other cells become activated into myofibroblasts with the task to restore skin integrity by forming structurally imperfect but mechanically stable scar tissue. Failure of myofibroblasts to terminate their actions after successful repair or upon chronic inflammation results in dysregulated myofibroblast activities which can lead to hypertrophic scarring and/or skin fibrosis. After providing an overview on the major fibrillar matrix components in normal skin, we will interrogate the various origins of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the skin. We then examine the role of the matrix as signaling hub and how fibroblasts respond to mechanical matrix cues to restore order in the confusing environment of a healing wound.

The inflammatory speech of fibroblasts

Activation of fibroblasts is a key event during normal tissue repair after injury and the dysregulated repair processes that result in organ fibrosis. To most researchers, fibroblasts are rather unremarkable spindle-shaped cells embedded in the fibrous collagen matrix of connective tissues and/or deemed useful to perform mechanistic studies with adherent cells in culture. For more than a century, fibroblasts escaped thorough classification due to the lack of specific markers and were treated as the leftovers after all other cells have been identified from a tissue sample. With novel cell lineage tracing and single cell transcriptomics tools, bona fide fibroblasts emerge as only one heterogeneous sub-population of a much larger group of partly overlapping cell types, including mesenchymal stromal cells, fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells, pericytes, and/or perivascular cells. All these cells are activated to contribute to tissue repair after injury and/or chronic inflammation. "Activation" can entail various functions, such as enhanced proliferation, migration, instruction of inflammatory cells, secretion of extracellular matrix proteins and organizing enzymes, and acquisition of a contractile myofibroblast phenotype. We provide our view on the fibroblastic cell types and activation states playing a role during physiological and pathological repair and their crosstalk with inflammatory macrophages. Inflammation and fibrosis of the articular synovium during rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are used as specific examples to discuss inflammatory fibroblast phenotypes. Ultimately, delineating the precursors and functional roles of activated fibroblastic cells will contribute to better and more specific intervention strategies to treat fibroproliferative and fibrocontractive disorders.

External Screw-Threaded Traction Device Helps Optimize Finger Joint Mobility in Severe Stage III and IV Dupuytren Disease

Background

Treating advanced finger joint contractures from Dupuytren disease remains a challenge. We evaluated the effectiveness of a skeletal distraction device versus alternative treatment options.

Material/Methods

We analyzed the surgical treatment of contracted finger joints in stage III and stage IV Dupuytren’s disease over a 10-year period. Data were obtained from inpatient and outpatient medical records, including postoperative clinical examinations and extended Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores. Complications of infection, postoperative pain, and wound healing disorders were recorded.

Results

A total of 79 patients (83 hands) were assigned to 2 treatment groups. Patients in group 1 underwent an initial open transection of the main fibrous cord, Z-plasty, distraction with the Erlangen external distraction device, and fasciectomy. The distraction period was 13 to 81 days (mean 31 days). Group 2 underwent a conventional single-stage fasciectomy and arthrolysis. DASH scores and subjective patient satisfaction were lower in group 1 (20.7/33%) than in group 2 (10.3/50%). However, the staged approach of group 1 to treat proximal interphalangeal joint contractures in the long term (improvement >40%) was more effective than the approach of group 2 (>33%). Distraction device pin infections occurred in 20% of hands. Postoperative pain and complex regional pain syndrome type I occurred in 25% of hands in group 1 and 3% in group 2.

Conclusions

A screw thread driven external fixation device is useful in end-stage Dupuytren’s finger joint contractures. It is indicated when joint contractures are advanced and simple arthrolysis is insufficient.

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.

The Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in Longstanding Diabetes: Results from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the prevalence of autoimmune diseases (e.g. thyroid disease, celiac disease, etc) in Canadians with longstanding type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to explore sex-specific differences and the association with complications.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were analyzed in an exploratory secondary analysis from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes, a nationwide registry of people with T1D of at least 50 years' duration. In total, 374 participants provided self-reported questionnaire data and physician-reported laboratory results. Student's t-test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, the χ² test and logistic regression were used to identify associations with autoimmune diseases.

RESULTS

The 374 participants had a median T1D duration of 53 years (interquartile range, 51 to 58) and a median age of onset of 11 years (6 to 16), and 57.1% were females. Females had a greater prevalence of autoimmune diseases (60.6% vs 34.4%, p<0.001). Thyroid disease was most prevalent (41%, 153/374), especially in females (51.6% vs 26.9%), and the prevalence of 1 or more autoimmune disease was 49.3% (184/374). Autoimmune disease was associated with lower odds of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 1.00 for thyroid autoimmune disease and OR 0.34 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.93) for nonthyroid autoimmune disease, both compared to those without autoimmune disease (p=0.033). Autoimmune diseases were not associated with the presence of nephropathy, neuropathy or retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifetime risk of autoimmune disease in longstanding T1D approaches 50%, is greater in females and is driven by thyroid disease. The probability of diabetes complications, such as CVD, was lower in those with autoimmune disease, which was driven mostly by nonthyroid autoimmune diseases.