Dupuytren's Disease: Review of the Current Literature

Comparing Complications and Patient Satisfaction Following Injectable Collagenase Versus Limited Fasciectomy for Dupuytren's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder that manifests as an abnormal growth of myofibroblasts, causing nodule formation and contractures and affecting digit function. If left untreated, these contractures can lead to a loss of mobility and potentially impact hand function. This systematic review critically compares and evaluates the existing literature on the complications and patient satisfaction following injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) versus limited fasciectomy (LF) for DD. We performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) databases from 2006 to August 2023. This research targeted all clinical studies involving adults who underwent injectable collagenase and/or limited fasciectomy in the management of DD. Out of the 437 identified studies, only 53 were considered eligible for our analysis, and merely 14 met our inclusion criteria. These selected studies encompassed a total of 967 patients with 1,344 treated joints, with an average follow-up duration of 19.22 (ranging from one to 84.06) months. Within this cohort, 498 joints from 385 patients underwent LF, while 846 joints from 491 patients received CCH injections. Notably, among the 491 patients treated with CCH, 1,060 complications were reported, averaging 2.15 complications per patient, with the most common being contusion/bruising/hematoma/ecchymosis (22.54%), and edema/swelling (18.96%). In contrast, among the 385 patients treated with LF, only 97 complications were reported, translating to 0.25 complications per patient, with the most frequent being paraesthesia or numbness (23.7%), scar sequelae like skin laceration, tear, fissure, or hypertrophic scar (23.7%), and neuropraxia or nerve injury (22.6%). Our meta-analysis indicates that paraesthesia or numbness is more frequently observed in LF than CCH injections, although without statistical significance, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-1.18, p-value 0.1). However, scar sequelae (hypertrophic scar, skin laceration, tear, or fissure) show a contrasting pattern, being more commonly associated with CCH injections than LF, with an RR of 1.98 (95% CI 0.26-14.85, p-value 0.51), which, upon eliminating the source of heterogeneity, becomes statistically significant, with an RR of 4.98 (95% CI 1.40-17.72, p-value 0.01). Our data revealed a higher frequency of complications with CCH compared to LF, although more severe adverse effects were observed in the LF group, such as neuropraxia or nerve injury. Scar sequelae were more common with CCH injections. Despite both treatments showing increased patient satisfaction at the final follow-up, CCH injection resulted in earlier improvements in satisfaction.

Effect of nanoparticle-mediated delivery of SFRP4 siRNA for treating Dupuytren disease

Dupuytren disease (DD) is a progressive fibrous proliferative disease. It invades the palmar aponeurosis and extends to the finger fascia, eventually leading to flexion contracture of the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint. At present, surgical resection and the local injection of collagenase are the main methods for the treatment of DD, but postoperative complications and high recurrence rates often occur. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the increased expression of SFRP4 protein was closely related to the incidence of DD. Persistent and effective inhibition of SFRP4 expression may be a promising treatment for DD. We prepared SFRP4 siRNA/nanoparticle complexes (si-SFRP4) and negative siRNA/nanoparticle complexes (NC) and applied them in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis showed that si-SFRP4 could be successfully transfected into DD cells. MTT and EdU staining assays showed that the OD values and percentage of EdU-positive cells in the si-SFRP4 group were significantly lower than those in the NC group. Scratch tests showed that the wound healing rate of the si-SFRP4 group was lower than that of the NC group, and the difference was statistically significant. The expression of SFRP4 and α-SMA protein in the si-SFRP4 group significantly decreased in both DD cells and xenografts. Compared with the NC group, the xenograft quality of the si-SFRP4 group was significantly reduced. Masson's trichrome staining showed that the collagen and fibrous cells in the si-SFRP4 group were more uniform, slender, parallel and regular. The above experimental results suggest that the proliferation and metabolism of palmar aponeurosis cells and the quality of metacarpal fascia xenografts were both significantly decreased. We speculated that nanoparticle-mediated SFRP4 siRNA can be used as a potential new method for the treatment of DD.

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.

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.

Double Spiral Dupuytren's Disease: Case of Ulnar and Radial Spiral Cords in Shared Digit

Dupuytren’s disease is a benign fibroproliferative disorder resulting in progressive contraction of palmar and digital fascia. Diseased fascia of the hand condenses into tensile cords, manifesting in various anatomical combinations. The spiral cord variant is especially troublesome, as the cord travels under the digital neurovascular bundle and places it at risk during surgical resection. In severe cases, limited fasciectomy is required to release contracture and restore finger extension. Here, we present the case of a 79-year-old right-handed man with a history of severe Dupuytren’s disease of both hands, who was found to have ulnar and radial spiral cords in his right ring finger. Diseased tissue was removed en bloc, restoring extension and function. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a digit with two spiral cords affecting both neurovascular bundles. It is important to be aware of the anatomical variations possible in Dupuytren’s disease to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Fasciectomy under local anaesthetic and adrenaline for Dupuytren’s contracture in a community setting in the UK with a cost analysis

Aims

In the UK, fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture is generally performed under general or regional anaesthetic, with an arm tourniquet and in a hospital setting. We have changed our practice to use local anaesthetic with adrenaline, no arm tourniquet, and perform the surgery in a community setting. We present the outcome of a consecutive series of 30 patients.

Methods

Prospective data were collected for 30 patients undergoing open fasciectomy on 36 digits (six having two digits affected), over a one-year period and under the care of two surgeons. In total, 10 ml to 20 ml volume of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was used. A standard postoperative rehabilitation regime was used. Preoperative health scores, goniometer measurements of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures, and Unité Rheumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores were measured pre- and postoperatively at six and 12 weeks.

Results

The mean preoperative contractures were 35.3° (0° to 90°) at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), 32.5° (0° to 90°) at proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) (a combined deformity of 67.8°). The mean correction was 33.6° (0° to 90°) for the MCPJ and 18.2° (0° to 70°) for the PIPJ leading to a combined correction of 51.8°. There was a complete deformity correction in 21 fingers (59.5%) and partial correction in 14 digits (37.8%) with no correction in one finger. The mean residual deformities for the partial/uncorrected group were MCP 4.2° (0° to 30°), and PIP 26.1° (0° to 85°). For those achieving a full correction the mean preoperative contracture was less particularly at the PIP joint (15.45° (0° to 60°) vs 55.33° (0° to 90°)). Mean preoperative URAM scores were higher in the fully corrected group (17.4 (4 to 31) vs 14.0 (0 to 28)), but lower at three months post-surgery (0.5 (0 to 3) vs 4.40 (0 to 18)), with both groups showing improvements. Infections occurred in two patients (three digits) and both were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No other complications were noted. The estimated cost of a fasciectomy under local anaesthetic in the community was £184.82 per patient. The estimated hospital theatre costs for a fasciectomy was £1,146.62 under general anaesthetic (GA), and £1,085.30 under an axillary block.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a fasciectomy performed under local anaesthetic with adrenaline and without an arm tourniquet and in a community setting is safe, and results in favourable outcomes regarding the degree of correction of contracture achieved, functional scores, and short-term complications. Local anaesthetic fasciectomy in a community setting achieves a saving of £961.80 for a GA and £900.48 for an axillary block per case. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1354–1358.

Cost-effectiveness of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture Treatment

IMPORTANCE

Owing to its tendency to recur, Dupuytren contracture often requires multiple treatments, which places additional economic burden on health care. The likelihood of contracture recurrence varies not only with treatment but also with disease characteristics, such as contracture severity and location, but prior cost-effectiveness analyses of Dupuytren contracture treatments have not considered these patient-specific disease characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the most cost-effective treatment regimen for patients with recurrent Dupuytren contracture.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This economic evaluation was conducted with state-transition microsimulation modeling using data from published studies and Medicare. A simulated cohort of 10 000 individuals with Dupuytren contracture was created. Patients could transition yearly between the following health states: symptom-free, symptomatic, and death. Available treatments were collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), and limited fasciectomy (LF); individuals randomly chose any treatment when symptomatic. Patients were limited to 3 rounds of treatment for a contracture affecting 1 joint, totaling 27 unique combinations. If the contracture recurred after 3 treatments, patients lived with the disease for the remainder of life.

EXPOSURES

PNA, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, or LF.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), total costs (in US dollars), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life-year was used to assess cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

For the base case scenario of a patient aged 60 years with recurrent, low-severity metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint contracture, repeated PNA treatment was the only cost-effective treatment (2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $212 647/QALY [$36 000/QALY]). For recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures, treatment regimens composed of PNA and LF were cost-effective (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $93 932/QALY [$16 500/QALY]). LF was cost-effective for high-severity MCP joint contracture (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $98 624/QALY [$26 233/QALY]). For recurrent proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures, PNA was the only cost-effective treatment, regardless of severity (eg, 2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments for low-severity PIP joint contracture, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $263 726/QALY [$29 000/QALY]). Any combination with collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection compared with 3 PNA treatments had an ICER greater than $100 000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated a 44%, 15%, 41%, and 52% chance of a regimen consisting of only PNA being cost-effective in low-severity MCP, high-severity MCP, low-severity PIP, and high-severity PIP joint contractures, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that LF is a cost-effective intervention for recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures. For recurrent low-severity MCP joint contractures and PIP joint contractures of all severity levels, PNA was the only cost-effective intervention. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections were not a cost-effective intervention for recurrent Dupuytren contracture and should not be preferred over PNA or LF.

Nongenetic Factors Associated with Dupuytren's Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Dupuytren's disease is a common complex disease caused by genetic and nongenetic factors. The role of many nongenetic risk factors is still unclear and debatable. This study aimed to systematically review the association between Dupuytren's disease and nongenetic risk factors.

METHODS

A search strategy was developed based on the Population, Exposure, Comparison, Outcomes and Study framework. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November of 2018. Title and abstract and then full-text screening against eligibility criteria was performed independently by two reviewers, and consensus was achieved by a third reviewer. The Effective Public Health Practice Project and the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine tools were used to assess study quality and to evaluate the level of evidence of included studies, respectively.

RESULTS

Reviewers identified 4434 studies, of which 54 were included in the analysis. There was strong evidence for the association between Dupuytren's disease and advanced age, male sex, family history of Dupuytren's disease, and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, heavy alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and manual work exposure showed a significant dose-response relationship. The quality of the included studies was mainly low or moderate, and most studies were level 3 or 4 on the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results show a strong association between Dupuytren's disease and advanced age, male sex, family history of Dupuytren's disease, diabetes mellitus, heavy alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and manual work exposure. Further studies are required to explain the causal relationship of these associations.

High-energy focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy relieved pain in Dupuytren's disease: a series of seven hands

BACKGROUND

Dupuytren's disease of the hand is characterized by progressive thickening and shortening of palmar fascia resulting in flexion deformities of the digits and hence limitation of hand function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of shock-wave therapy on patients with Dupuytren's disease of the hand.

CASE REPORT

A case series study observed a total of four patients with Dupuytren's disease of the hand. All 4 patients had diabetes. Three patients had bilateral hand involvement. Two patients had flexion deformity. High-energy focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy was applied using a Storz Duolith SD1 (2000 impulses, 3 Hz, 1.24 mJ/mm2) in 5 sessions with 7 days between. Outcome measured included pain score, tender score, hand grip, and nodule size from the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, JAMAR hand held dynamometer, and ultrasonography. Data was collected at the entry and conclusion of the study at 0 and 8 weeks.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Significant statistical improvement was observed for pain score 8.7±0.5 vs. 2.0±0.9, P<0.001 and for tender score 8.5±0.5 vs. 2.5±0.9, P<0.009 after the therapy. Decrease in size of nodules with improvement of flexion deformity was observed in one patient who had multiple bilateral nodules. No adverse effects were noted. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy was beneficial in relieving symptoms in Dupuytren's disease of the hand.

Effect of Compound 21, a Selective Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist, in a Murine Xenograft Model of Dupuytren Disease

BACKGROUND

Although surgical excision and intralesional collagenase injection are mainstays in Dupuytren disease treatment, no effective medical therapy exists for recurrent disease. Compound 21, a selective agonist of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor, has been shown to protect against fibrosis in models of myocardial infarction and stroke. The authors investigated the potential use of compound 21 in the treatment of Dupuytren disease.

METHODS

Human dermal fibroblasts were treated in vitro with compound 21 and assessed for viability using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, migration by means of scratch assay, and profibrotic gene transcription by means of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Compound 21 effects in vivo were assessed using a xenograft model. Dupuytren disease cord specimens from patients undergoing open partial fasciectomy were divided into two segments. Segments were implanted under the dorsal skin of nude mouse pairs. Beginning on day 5, one mouse from each pair received daily intraperitoneal injections of compound 21 (10 μg/kg/day), and the other received vehicle. On day 10, segments were explanted and submitted for immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Human dermal fibroblasts treated with compound 21 displayed decreased migration and decreased gene expression of connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast specific protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1, Smad3, and Smad4. Dupuytren disease segments from compound 21-treated mice demonstrated significantly reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin and Ki67 staining, with increased density of CD31 staining vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound 21 significantly decreases expression of profibrotic genes and decreases myofibroblast proliferation as indicated by reduced Ki67 and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression. These findings support compound 21 as a potential novel treatment modality for Dupuytren disease.

Surgical treatment results for dupuytren's disease

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of our cases of Dupuytren's disease treated with regional selective fasciectomy in light of the literature.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture and surgically treated with regional selective fasciectomy at our institution with adequate follow-up data were included in the study. All patients were routinely followed after surgery to assess results and complications. QuickDASH scoring was used to evaluate the patients and recurrences and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-one hands of 19 patients (13 males, 6 females) who underwent surgery and received adequate follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Mean patient age was 65.8 (range: 41 to 86) and the mean follow-up period was 48.2 months (range: 24 to 86). Fourteen (66.6%) hands had excellent results, five (23%) hands had good results and two (9.4%) had fair results. The mean QuickDASH score for the patients at the final follow-up was 6.58 (range: 0 to 20.4).

CONCLUSION

Our study results demonstrated that regional selective fasciectomy is a reliable and efficient method to treat Dupuytren's disease with low rates of complications and recurrence and the technique can be considered the gold standard. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Treatment of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture in Joints Previously Effectively Treated With Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum

PURPOSE

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is approved for the treatment of adults with Dupuytren contracture with a palpable cord. This open-label, phase 4 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CCH for the retreatment of recurrent contractures in joints that were previously effectively treated with CCH.

METHODS

Patients participating in a long-term follow-up study who had contracture recurrence (increased ≥ 20° with a palpable cord) after successful treatment in the previous study were eligible. Recurrent joint contractures were treated with up to 3 CCH injections (∼ 1 month apart). Patients were followed for 1 year to evaluate safety. Assessments included change in joint contracture, range of motion, and the percentage of joints that achieved contracture of 5° or less at day 30 after the last injection.

RESULTS

The efficacy analysis included 51 patients with 1 treated joint per patient (31 metacarpophalangeal, 20 proximal interphalangeal). A total of 35 joints (69%) received 1 injection, 12 (24%) received 2 injections, and 4 (8%) received 3 injections. Fifty-seven percent of joints achieved contracture of 5° or less (29 of 51). Overall, 86% (43 of 50) patients had a 20° or greater increase in range of motion. The adverse event profile was consistent with previous studies. One ligament injury was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

At a short-term follow-up of 1 year, recurrent contracture in joints previously successfully treated with CCH may be effectively retreated with up to 3 injections of CCH.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Sonographic Findings of Common Musculoskeletal Diseases in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can accompany many musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. It is difficult to distinguish the DM-related MSK diseases based on clinical symptoms alone. Sonography is frequently used as a first imaging study for these MSK symptoms and is helpful to differentiate the various DM-related MSK diseases. This pictorial essay focuses on sonographic findings of various MSK diseases that can occur in diabetic patients.

The Efficacy and Safety of Concurrent Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injections for 2 Dupuytren Contractures in the Same Hand: A Prospective, Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of concurrent administration of 2 collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections to treat 2 joints in the same hand with Dupuytren fixed flexion contractures (FFCs).

METHODS

Patients with 2 or more contractures in the same hand caused by palpable cords participated in a 60-day, multicenter, open-label, phase 3b study. Two 0.58 mg CCH doses were injected into 1 or 2 cords in the same hand (1 injection per affected joint) during the same visit. Finger extension was performed approximately 24, 48, or 72 or more hours later. Changes in FFC and range of motion, incidence of clinical success (FFC ≤ 5°), and adverse events (AEs) were summarized.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 715 patients (725 treated joint pairs), and 714 patients (724 joint pairs) were analyzed for efficacy. At day 31, mean total FFC (sum of 2 treated joints) decreased 74%, from 98° to 27°. Mean total range of motion increased from 90° to 156°. The incidence of clinical success was 65% in metacarpophalangeal joints and 29% in proximal interphalangeal joints. Most treatment-related AEs were mild to moderate, resolving without intervention; the most common were swelling of treated extremity, contusion, and pain in extremity. The incidence of skin lacerations was 22% (160 of 715). Efficacy and safety were similar regardless of time to finger extension.

CONCLUSIONS

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum can be used to effectively treat 2 affected joints concurrently without a greater risk of AEs than treatment of a single joint, with the exception of skin laceration. The incidence of clinical success in this study after 1 injection per joint was comparable to phase 3 study results after 3 or more injections per joint. Two concurrent CCH injections may allow more rapid overall treatment of multiple affected joints, and the ability to vary the time between CCH injection and finger extension may allow physicians and patients greater flexibility with scheduling treatment.

Epidemiological profile of Dupuytren's disease in Taiwan (Ethnic Chinese): a nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiologic profile of ethnic Chinese patients with Dupuytren's disease is unknown. We therefore investigated the epidemiology of Dupuytren's disease using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

METHODS

Patients who filed claims for treatment for Dupuytren's disease between January 2000 and December 2011 were identified in the database. Age- and gender-specific incidences were estimated by dividing the incidence number by population data.

RESULTS

We identified 1,078 patients with Dupuytren's disease (681 men, 397 women; male/female ratio: 1:1.72). The annual incidence rate ranged from 0.39-0.63/10(5) for men and 0.14-0.44/10(5) for women. A trend analysis revealed a rising trend in the annual incidence from 2001 to 2011 (p = 0.0199). The prevalence rate increased steadily from 0.46/10(5) in 2000 to 4.52/10(5) in 2011 (p = 0.0186). The mean age at onset was significantly higher in men than in women (60.7 ± 18.4 vs. 53.7 ± 15.5 years). Peak age at onset for men was 70-79 (28.1%) and for women was 50-59 (33.5%). Men > 60 years old had higher incidence rates than did women (incidence rate ratios: 2.0, 4.5, and 6.6 for those 60-69, 70-79, and ≥ 80, respectively). Hypertension (29.6%), diabetes mellitus (21.9%), hyperlipidemia (14.8%), ischemic heart disease (10.5%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8.0%) were the most common comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence of Dupuytren's disease and the male/female ratio were significantly lower in ethnic Chinese than in Western ethnic groups. Moreover, the age at onset was significantly lower in ethnic Chinese women. However, the incidences of three comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia) were similar to those in other ethnicities.

Advances in the understanding of the aetiology of Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascia which has been described for centuries, yet the aetiology and pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Surgery and collagenase injections comprise the main therapeutic options but disease recurrence is common. We explore the evidence underlying the current disease theories and outline other potential therapeutic options.