gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of percutaneous needle fasciotomy vs limited fasciotomy in treating finger Dupuytrens disease.

Methods: This randomized trial included 36 patients (mean age 58±3.8ys) suffering from finger Dupuytrens disease affected the metacarpophalangeal joint. All patients were randomly assigned to receive either percutaneous fasciotomy (Group 1), or limited open fasciotomy (Group 2). Mean contracture deformity and Quick DASH score were measured at baseline and 2 years postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed by statistical packet STATA 8.0 and significance was set at p-value <0.05.

Results and Conclusion: In Group 1 the mean contracture was 58o preoperatively, 7o postoperatively and 19.3 at two years follow up. In Group 2 the mean contracture was 60o preoperatively, 3o postoperatively and 9.6 at two years follow up. Significant statistical difference was detected among the two groups, regarding the mean postoperative contracture found at 2 years follow up (p<0.05). The Quick DASH score decreased significantly from 13.4 to 5.6 in Group 1 (p<0.05) and from 13.2 to 5.4 in Group 2 (p<0.05) at 2 years follow up. No significant statistical difference was detected among the two groups, regarding the Quick DASH score.

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is a safe option in treating fingers Dupuytrens disease. Although this simple procedure is associated with greater contracture deformity but the functional outcomes are similar to limited fasciotomy.