Report on the Evidence-Based Practice Committee’s Survey on Dupuytren Disease

Abstract

PurposeThe Evidence-Based Practice Committee of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) set out to assess the membership’s practice patterns (PPs) and knowledge of evidence-based principles for Dupuytren disease (DD).MethodsA 21-item multiple-choice survey was distributed to all ASSH members via email in June 2020. Questions were divided into 2 types: evidence-based practice (EBP) and PPs. The survey addressed the following subtopics: nonsurgical, percutaneous, and open surgical management of DD.ResultsThe response rate was 18% (n = 419). Of 13 EBP questions, 5 were answered with the preferred response by >75% of surgeons. The remaining 8 EBP questions had greater frequencies of less preferred responses, which concerned the current evidence for percutaneous management, as well as nonsurgical and postoperative management of DD. Of the PP questions, there were differences in opinion on how to manage a painful nodule, the percutaneous technique (eg, collagenase injection vs percutaneous needle aponeurotomy), and the choice of surgical incision for open fasciectomy (eg, Bruner incision with Z-plasties, partial closure with an open transverse palmar component, or longitudinal incision with Z-plasties).ConclusionsHand surgeons continue to be well informed about current evidence-based practices for treating DD and can improve their knowledge by familiarizing themselves with current data on percutaneous and nonsurgical methods. There exist differences in PPs for DD in the ASSH membership, specifically with less invasive management; and knowledge of peer practices can help navigate differences, critically interpret the evidence, and optimize patient care.Type of study/level of evidenceEconomic/Decision Analyses V.