n interview

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Steven Beldner, MD

In this issue of ORTHOPEDICS, Dr Steven Beldner discusses Dupuy- tren’s contracture and the available nonsurgical and surgical treat- ments.

among northern Europeans and in regions that were populated by Viking conquest. Because its expression is increased in diabe- tes mellitus, some argue that it is metabolic. Because its expres- sion is increased in human immunodeficiency infection, some argue that it is associated with the immune system. Because its expression is increased with hepatic disease or administration of phenytoin, some argue that it is associated with the cytochrome P450 system. Many patients report that it started after trauma or What is Dupuytren’s contracture? is accentuated by physical tension placed on the tissue. There- Dupuytren’s contracture is a fibroproliferative condition in fore, some argue that this is the cause. Most agree that Dupuy- which normal collagen is placed in abnormal amounts. It has tren’s contracture has a multifactorial etiology. different names depending on location. When in the feet, it is re- ferred to as Ledderhose disease. When on the penis, it is referred What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture? to as Peyronie’s disease. When on the back of the knuckles, it is Dupuytren’s contracture is a painless condition. In the early called Garrod’s nodules. Under the microscope, a normal cell phases, a small area of thickening, usually on the ulnar side of called the myofibroblast that is producing normal collagen in the hand in the palm, may be noted. As it progresses into cords, abnormal amounts is seen. There is an increase in the amount contractures of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalan- of type 3 to type 1 collagen. Pathologists refer to this diseased geal, and distal interphalangeal joints are frequently seen. Some- tissue as fibromatosis. The author is from the Division of Hand Surgery, Beth Israel Medical What causes Dupuytren’s contracture? Center, New York, New York. The exact etiology of Dupuytren’s contracture is unclear. It is The author is a paid consultant for Auxilium Pharmaceuticals. Correspondence should be addressed to: Steven Beldner, MD, Division generally considered an hereditary condition. It has been weakly of Hand Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, 321 E 34th St, New York, NY linked to a mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Dupuytren’s con- 10016 ([email protected]). tracture has been traced back to the Vikings. It occurs frequently doi: 10.3928/01477447-20131120-05

DECEMBER 2013 | Volume 36 • Number 12 929 n interview

times, contractures between the commissures of the fingers are ment of choice since the late 1800s—the time of Dupuytren him- also noted. The cords or nodules are sometimes tender on palpa- self. Both needle aponeurotomy and Xiaflex injection require a tion when they are in the active phase, which generally means palpable cord with a contracture. If the cord does not start within that the condition is in a stage of progression. Dupuytren’s con- 4 mm distal of the palmar digital crease, Xiaflex is contraindi- tracture can be associated with trigger fingers and carpal tunnel cated because injecting distally into the digit increases the risk syndrome. of tendon rupture. Surgery is not necessary unless a contracture has developed. How is Dupuytren’s contracture diagnosed? Some patients request excision of the lumps in the palms or dig- Dupuytren’s contracture is generally diagnosed by physical its, but this is frequently associated with high recurrence rates. examination. Ultrasound can sometimes be helpful. Findings on magnetic resonance imaging are usually misleading because What are the complications of Dupuytren’s contracture? Dupuytren’s contracture has an appearance similar to that of sar- Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition. If left coma. untreated, it leads to difficulties performing activities of daily living due to the malposition of the finger secondary to contrac- What nonsurgical treatments exist for Dupuytren’s contrac- ture. Also, hygiene issues, skin breakdown at the contracture, and ture? pressure on the skin can occur. This can lead to infection and Radiation has historically been used. Some nonsurgical treat- possible amputation. The more contracted the digit is on treat- ments have recently been developed. Eaton has popularized ment, the more difficult it is to achieve full correction. This is needle aponeurotomy in the United States, which was first de- especially true for the proximal interphalangeal joint because it veloped in France. This involves percutaneously cutting the cord appears to be a more stubborn joint to straighten once contracted. into multiple pieces to allow the digit to straighten. More re- cently, a collagen proteinase has been developed from clostridial Can Dupuytren’s contracture be prevented? bacteria that selectively digest fibrillar collagen. Risk factors for Dupuytren’s contracture can be reduced. The cause cannot be eliminated because it is a genetic condition. What are the surgical options for Dupuytren’s contracture? Good control of diabetes and HIV infection is helpful. Control- The surgical options include partial or complete palmar digi- ling hepatic damage and avoiding medications that increase the tal fasciectomy. Most surgeons agree that complete palmar digi- cytochrome P450 enzyme are beneficial. Avoiding trauma to the tal fasciectomy results in a significant amount of digital stiffness hands can reduce, but not eliminate, the odds of developing Du- and unnecessary dissection to remove nondiseased tissue. Most puytren’s contracture. Once the palmar digital fascia is noted to surgeons prefer to remove only the diseased palmar digital fas- be thickened, stretching or massaging may increase the risk of cia. There are multiple types of incisions depending on the lo- progression to a contracture and therefore should be avoided. Be- cation of Dupuytren’s contracture, and these can be done either cause therapy and splinting will most likely excite the tissue and completely open or by leaving skin bridges. Surgery has been as- cause it to progress, they should be avoided until after surgical or sociated with hematomas, tissue loss, nerve injuries, reflex sym- chemical treatment disrupts the cord. pathetic flare responses, stiffness, and frequent need for long pe- riods of occupational therapy to optimize its results. Recurrence What is the prognosis for Dupuytren’s contracture? or progression is also common, regardless of which treatment is The prognosis depends on its genetic expression. Individuals chosen, and is more dependent on genetic expression. from families with many cases of Dupuytren’s contracture re- quiring surgery will most likely have a difficult course. The How is it determined whether to use surgical or nonsurgical younger the individual is when the disease is first noted, the more treatment? likely the individual is to have progression and recurrence after Patient and surgeon preference are key to the decision. Some treatment. Individuals who have multiple sites involved (eg, the surgeons strongly believe in needle aponeurotomy, whereas oth- opposite hand, the radial side of the hand with disease, the dorsal ers favor chemical digestion with Xiaflex. Most surgeons are knuckle pads, the feet, the penis) are more likely to have progres- well versed in surgical excision because this has been the treat- sion and recurrence after treatment.

930 ORTHOPEDICS | Healio.com/Orthopedics