Effect of Oral Prednisolone after Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial with a 1-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Introduction This study verified the effectiveness of oral prednisolone after collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) (10 mg/day for 2 weeks) for Dupuytren’s contracture with a 1-year follow-up.Materials and Methods This study included 31 patients with a contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint of ≥ 30 degrees. A total of 16 patients were allocated randomly to treatment with prednisolone and 15 patients were treated without prednisolone (control group).Results At day 7, mean total active motion (TAM) was 235 degrees in the prednisolone group and 228 degrees in the control group. Mean Visual Analog Scale was 3.3 in the prednisolone group and 4.6 in the control group. There was significant difference between two groups. At day 30, mean TAM was 241 degrees in the prednisolone group and 233 degrees in the control group. There were significant difference between two groups The mean QuickDASH score was significantly higher in the control group (5.8 vs. 3.4). Recurrence was observed in 2/16 patients (13%) in the prednisolone group and 5/15 patients (33%) in the control group; there was no significant difference.Conclusion The administration of prednisolone decreased the likelihood of adverse effects, and also improved finger flexion range of motion and reduced pain after CCH.