Comparative Study
Journal Article
Randomized Controlled Trial
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

A comparison of the direct outcomes of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren's disease: a 6-week follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The demand for percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) as treatment for Dupuytren's disease is increasing because of its limited invasiveness, good outcome, limited number of complications, quick recovery, and overall patient satisfaction. This randomized controlled trial was designed to test whether these short-term expectations are sound by comparing this treatment with limited fasciectomy (LF) with regard to these aspects.

METHODS: We treated 166 rays: 88 by PNF and 78 by LF. Total passive extension deficit (TPED) improvement at 1 week and at 6 weeks were the primary outcome parameters; patient satisfaction, hand-function recovery, and complication rate were secondary outcome parameters. We used the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire to measure disabilities of the upper extremity before and after treatment and all adverse effects and complications were recorded.

RESULTS: Overall TPED improvement was best at 6 weeks. In the PNF group TPED improved by 63% versus 79% in the LF group; this difference was statistically significant. Results at the proximal interphalangeal joint were worse than those at the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints for both the PNF and LF groups. The rays classified before surgery as Tubiana stages I and II showed no difference between these treatments, but for rays higher than stage II LF clearly was superior to PNF as a treatment modality. The rate of major complications in the LF group was 5% versus 0% in the PNF group. Patient satisfaction was almost equal but direct hand function after treatment was considered better in the PNF group, as was the degree of discomfort that patients experienced. This was underscored by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores in the PNF group, which were significantly lower than those in the LF group at all time points measured.

CONCLUSIONS: In the short term and in cases with a TPED of 90 degrees or less PNF is a good treatment alternative to LF for treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level I.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

Related Resources

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app