Dupuytren's Disease Research Articles

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Clinical Effectiveness of Collagenase Injection (Xiaflex®) and Palmar Fasciectomy in the Management of Dupuytren's Contracture.

Introduction: Limited palmar fasciectomy (LPF) and collagenase injection (CI) are the most common procedures to manage symptoms of Dupuytren's Disease. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to directly compare patient outcomes 12 months following CI and LPF. Methods: Twenty-two patients with Dupuytren's Disease were randomized to either LPF or CI. The primary outcome was health state measured by the Michigan Hand Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were health status (The Health Utility Index-3), function (The Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main and The Southampton Dupuytren's Scoring Scheme), and range of motion (ROM) of treated digits. Measurements were collected at baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-procedure. Results: Thirteen patients were randomized to the LPF and eight patients to the CI group. Most patients (85.7%) were male; the average age of the sample was 65.3 years. No statistically significant difference in the MHQ (mean difference [MD]: -12.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -30.0, 5.2)), SDSS (.9 (-4.0, 5.8)), URAM (-.9 (-14.4, 12.6)) or HUI-3 (-.04, -.2, .2)) was found between groups 12-months post-operatively. There was no statistically significant difference in 12-month loss of extension between groups at the MCP (-16.9 (-35.4, 1.7) or PIP (-2.9 (-22.9, 17.1) joints. Three CI patients and 1 LPF patient developed a contracture in the same digit requiring surgery. Conclusion: Results should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size. Available data suggests both techniques are reasonable for managing Dupuytren's Disease. Considerations for future RCTs are provided.

Improving the structural validity of the QuickDASH questionnaire: Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling in 1798 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Retrospective cohort. The QuickDASH is a commonly used questionnaire for the assessment of carpal tunnel patients, although it is unclear whether the questionnaire has suitable structural validity PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the structural validity of the QuickDASH patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), when used in CTS, through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Between 2013 and 2019, we recorded preoperative QuickDASH scores of 1916 patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompressions at a single unit. One hundred and eighteen patients with incomplete datasets were excluded leaving a final study group of 1798 patients with complete data. EFA was undertaken using the R statistical computing environment. We then conducted SEM in a random sample of 200 patients. Model fit was assessed using the chi-square (χ2) test, comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and standardized root mean square residuals (SRMR). A second "validation" SEM analysis was undertaken by repeating the analysis with a separate sample of 200 randomly-selected patients. EFA revealed a 2-factor model: items 1-6 represented the first factor ("function") and items 9-11 measured a different factor ("symptoms"). SEM demonstrated excellent fit (χ2 p value 0.167, CFI 0.999, TLI 0.999, RMSEA 0.032, SRMR 0.046) and this was supported in our "validation" sample. This study demonstrates that the QuickDASH PROM measures 2 distinct factors in CTS. This is comparable with the findings of a previous EFA that assessed the full-length Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand PROM in patients with Dupuytren's disease.

Clinical examination of the hand

Clinical examination of the hand requires a structured approach allowing the clinician the formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis for the purposes of further investigation and timely diagnosis and management. Eliciting a careful history and subsequently employing the examination principles of inspection, palpation, and movement, followed by targeted special tests, are key to assessing the various pathologies affecting the hand. This article discusses the key elements of history-taking and examination structure when assessing hand pathology, and reviews in detail the special tests involved in common pathology seen in the hand, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's disease, and de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Patients With Dupuytren Disease Use Excessive Grip Force When Lifting and Holding Small Objects, Independent of the Degree of Contracture

ObjectiveTo identify the extent and quality of fine motor skill alteration in patients with Dupuytren disease (DD) using an instrumented device measuring grip forces, beyond the commonly used measurement of contracture. DesignCase–control study. SettingUniversity outpatient clinic. ParticipantsPatients with DD (N=27) and a contracture >45° (Tubiana stage II, III, and IV) were included and compared with age-matched healthy control patients (N=27). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome Measures(s)All individuals were subjected to a set of specific tests using a new instrumented device (“manipulandum”). These included lifting, grasping, and then holding the “manipulandum” with 4 different object characteristics (light and heavy weight, rough and smooth surface) along with a measurement of the precision grip strength. Standard measurements including the Nine-Hole Peg Test, a two-point discrimination, and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were evaluated in comparison. ResultsAlthough the measurements of precision grip, two-point discrimination, Nine-Hole Peg Test, and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score showed no statistically significant differences between both groups, patients with DD applied significantly greater forces when tested with the different subtests using the “manipulandum.” Analysis of the 2-phase movement (lifting and holding the “manipulandum”) revealed highly significant differences between the groups. ConclusionsPatients with DD use excessive grip forces when lifting and holding the “manipulandum” when compared with healthy control patients, independent of the degree of contracture. As no differences in precision grip strength were seen, the presented approach is useful to obtain additional important information about fine motor function in diseased hands.

Dupuytren's disease: a localised and accessible human fibrotic disorder.

We review the biology of Dupuytren's disease (DD), a common localised fibrotic disorder of the hand. The disease develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and epigenetic signalling. The early-stage disease nodules comprise a complex milieu of stromal and immune cells which interact to promote disease development. Recently, inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) locally resulted in softening and a decrease in nodule size, potentially controlling disease progression. Unlike fibrotic disorders of the visceral organs, the easy access to tissue in DD patients enables dissection of the cellular landscape and molecular signalling pathways. In addition, the study of DD may have wider benefits in enhancing our understanding of less-accessible fibrotic tissues.

Risk Factors for Long-Term Contracture Recurrence after Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

In Dupuytren disease, little is known about the long-term outcomes of collagenase injection or risk factors for contracture recurrence. In this prospective study, 159 patients (242 fingers) with Dupuytren disease and active extension deficit (AED) ≥20° in a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were treated with collagenase injection during a 14-month period. At 5 years, 18 patients were deceased, 2 could not be contacted, and 13 had undergone fasciectomy. The remaining 126 patients (199 treated fingers) participated in a follow-up evaluation at 52-96 (mean 65) months after injection, with physical examination (114 patients) or telephone interview (12 patients). Recurrence was defined as subsequent treatment (surgery or repeat injection) or ≥20° AED worsening in a treated joint between the 6-week and 5-year measurements. The mean AED at baseline was 42° (SD 24) for MCP joints and 31° (SD 29) for PIP joints and at 5 years 11° (SD 17) and 17° (SD 23), respectively. Recurrence occurred in 17% of MCP joints and 25% of PIP joints. Statistically significant risk factors for PIP joint contracture recurrence were greater baseline AED (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06) and small finger treatment (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5-14.3), with no significant risk factors found for MCP contracture recurrence.

Epidemiology of Dupuytren’s and Sociodemographic Factors Related to it Among Chronic Diabetic Patients

Background: Dupuytren’s disease(DD) is characterized by progressive idiopathic fibrosis of the hand palm and the formation of nodules & contractures. Its prevalence ranges from 3 to 42% worldwide. Aim: To assess Dupuytren’s disease’s prevalence, severity and its association with different demographic factors. Study design: Analytical, Cross-sectional study done using Non-probability convenient sampling. Method: This study was conducted on 424 diabetic patients of age between 40 and 80. A questionnaire was used to assess different sociodemographic factors among them. Tubiana classification & tabletop test was used to assess the severity of the disease. Chi-square test was applied to find out the p-value for the association between variables. Results: About 9% of total participants were affected by DD. Most of the affected people were in the nodular stage or stage 1.There was a significant relationship found between DD and different factors like age group (p=<0.01),Family history of DD(p=<0.01), and previous hand injury (p=<0.01) Practical implication: This study provides us the baseline risk factors leading to the disease for better future interventions. Treatments gets easier when we reach the cause. Because nowadays the widely available treatment is surgical excision which is not a good option for everyone. Also there is a dearth of research on this emerging hand disability caused by diabetes that’s why this research is being conducted Conclusions: The results showed high prevalence of DD in diabetic patients with old age, positive family history of DD disease and previous hand injury. Therapeutic studies are required for the betterment of society and to prevent the disease from causing disability. Keywords: Contractures, Dupuytren’s disease, Dupuytren’s nodules, diabetes, personal factors, Family history.

What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery.

What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery.

A shared genetic architecture between adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren disease.

The etiology of adhesive capsulitis involves inflammation, thickening, and fibrosis of the shoulder capsule. The underlying genetic factors are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with adhesive capsulitis using the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort and compare them with variants associated with Dupuytren disease investigating a common etiology between the 2 fibrotic disorders. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using data from UKB with 10,773 cases of adhesive capsulitis, and a second GWAS was performed with 8891 cases of Dupuytren disease. Next, a comparison of association statistics was performed between adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren disease using the data from both GWAS. Finally, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported from candidate gene studies for adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren disease were tested for association with adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren disease using the summary statistics from their respective GWAS. The UKB GWAS for adhesive capsulitis identified 6 loci that reached genome-wide statistical significance: a cluster of 11 closely linked SNPs on chromosome 1; a single SNP on chromosome 2; a single SNP on chromosome 14; 2 closely linked SNPs on chromosome 21; 33 closely linked SNPs on chromosome 22; and 3 closely linked SNPs on the X chromosome. These SNPs were associated with 8 different genes including TSPAN2/NGF, SATB2, MRPL52/MMP14, ERG, WNT7B, and FGF13. A GWAS for Dupuytren disease was performed and a comparison to the adhesive capsulitis GWAS showed 13 loci significantly associated with both phenotypes. A validation attempt of 6 previously reported SNPs associated with adhesive capsulitis using UKB summary statistics was unable to confirm any of the previously reported SNPs (all P>.19). All 23 previously reported SNPs associated with Dupuytren disease were confirmed using the UKB summary statistics (P<2.1×10-3) CONCLUSION: This GWAS investigating adhesive capsulitis has identified 6 novel loci involving 8 different genes to be associated with adhesive capsulitis. A GWAS investigating Dupuytren disease was performed and compared to the adhesive capsulitis GWAS, and 13 common loci were identified between the 2 disorders with genes involved in pathologic fibrosis. We were unable to validate the SNPs in candidate genes previously reported to be associated with adhesive capsulitis although we were able to confirm all previously reported SNPs associated with Dupuytren disease. The strong genetic overlap between the adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren disease loci suggests a similar etiology between the 2 diseases.

Circumferential upper extremities burn, bilateral Dupuytren's disease and COVID-19 disease – an unfavorable triad: a case report

Upper extremities are frequently involved in fire burns due to the natural protective reflexes. The presence of bilateral Dupuytrenʼs disease and COVID-19 disease in patients with circumferential upper extremity burns can negatively impact the outcome, through severe contracture and a tendency to hypoxia or infections, which affects normal wound healing. Enzymatic debridement with a concentrate of proteolytic enzymes enriched in bromelain prevents compartment syndrome development in such patients, reduces blood loss, surgery duration, and appears to favor a more rapid recovery.

Dutch Multidisciplinary Guideline on Dupuytren Disease

To provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the treatment for Dupuytren disease, specifically needle techniques, radiotherapy, primary conservative therapy, surgery, lipofilling, operative arthrolysis, salvage techniques, and the postoperative protocol and to make clinical recommendations for health care practitioners and patients. Comprehensive multidisciplinary guideline process funded by the Quality Foundation of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. This process included a development, commentary, and authorization phase. Patients participated in every phase. Multiple databases and existing guidelines up to August 2020 were searched. Studies on Dupuytren disease were considered eligible. Specific eligibility criteria were described per module. To appraise the certainty of the evidence, reviewers extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method, where applicable. Important considerations were as follows: patient values and preferences, costs, acceptability of other stakeholders, and feasibility of implementation. Recommendations were made based on the evidence from the literature and the considerations. The primary and secondary outcome measures were defined per module based on the input of patients obtained in collaboration with the Netherlands Patient Federation and health care providers from different professions. The following 8 specific modules were completed for Dupuytren disease: (1) needle techniques, (2) radiotherapy, (3) primary conservative therapy, (4) surgery, (5) lipofilling, (6) operative arthrolysis, (7) salvage techniques, and (8) the postoperative protocol. Our Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Dupuytren disease provides 8 modules developed according to the standards of the Dutch Federation of Medical Specialists. Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice are provided for needle techniques, radiotherapy, primary conservative therapy, surgery, lipofilling, operative arthrolysis, salvage techniques, and the postoperative protocol. This guideline can assist health care providers and patients in clinical practice. Systematic review/I-II.

Fibrosis-Associated Signaling Molecules Are Differentially Expressed in Palmar Connective Tissues of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dupuytren's Disease.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and Dupuytren's disease (DD) are fibrotic conditions that affect the connective tissue of the hand and limit its functionality. The exact molecular mechanism underlying the fibrosis is unknown, and only some profibrotic factors have been investigated. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the expression of FGF signaling pathway molecules associated with fibrotic changes in the palmar fascia and the flexor retinaculum of 15 CTS patients and both clinically affected and unaffected palmar fascia of 15 DD patients, using immunofluorescence techniques. The expression of FGFR1, FGFR2, and CTGF in the blood vessel walls and surrounding connective tissue cells differed significantly between the analyzed groups, with changes in expression present even in clinically unremarkable tissues from DD patients. We also found altered expression of the analyzed factors, as well as TGF-β1 and syndecan-1 in DD-associated sweat glands, possibly implicating their role in the pathophysiology of the disease. The increased expression of profibrotic factors in the clinically unaffected palmar fascia of DD patients may indicate that more extensive excision is needed during surgical treatment, while the profibrotic factors could be potential targets for developing pharmacological therapeutic strategies against DD-associated fibrosis.

Sex Difference in the Treatment of Dupuytren's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the sex differences in enrollment into clinical trials for Dupuytren's disease (DD), treatment efficacy, and complications. Methods: Three databases were searched; Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL. Included studies were clinical trials on adult patients with DD. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies and other study designs. Two independent reviewers completed abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. The number and percentage of studies that reported ad hoc analyses for sex differences in treatment efficacy, tolerability, and complications were reported. A meta-analysis was performed on the proportion of female participants enrolled in clinical trials for DD. Results: A total of 3172 references were screened, and 59 studies were identified for full-text review. We identified 28 clinical trials for DD of which none reported secondary analyses for sex differences. Only 2 trials discussed sex differences in complications, and one trial reported sex differences in tolerability. The proportion of female participants in the meta-analysis was 19.5% [95% CI: 16.1-23.0%]. Conclusion: Sex differences in the clinical trials for DD are not widely considered in clinical trials despite their critical role. Males and females do not have equal representation in clinical trials for DD. Future studies should account for sex differences in the design and the analysis of clinical trials.

The Effect of Ex-Vivo Hyaluronic Acid on Myofibroblast and Collagen in Dupuytren Disease

Background: Dupuytren disease (DD) is characterised by increased myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is major component of the extracellular matrix and some studies have showed that HA limits myofibroblast activity and decreases type3/type1 collagen ratio. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from normal and diseased tissue from patients with DD. This is the initial step towards defining the use of HA as a new approach for medical treatment of DD. Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from both healthy forearm (C) and unhealthy palmar (D) fascia of patients undergoing surgery for DD. Tissue samples were cultured and divided into four groups depending on the addition of HA [C(HA-), C(HA+), D(HA-) and D(HA+)]. The tissues were evaluated using Western blot to detect effect of HA on myofibroblast (by measuring alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA) and on the ratio of type3/type1 collagen by measuring collagen type1 alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1) and collagen type3 alpha 1 Chain (COL3A1). Results: The rate of the average α-SMA value in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to that of the D(HA-) group. The average ratio of type3/type1 collagen in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to the D(HA-) group. Conclusions: The ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from patients with DD resulted in a decrease in myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. This may pave the way for clinical application of HA in the treatment of DD.

Application of fibrin glue for hematoma prophylaxis in selective aponeurectomy in Dupuytren's disease

Fibrin glue (FG) can be applied in several surgical procedures at wound closure to reduce postoperative complications such as hematoma formation and wound impairment. The purpose of this study is to assess these preventive surgical benefits in Dupuytren's disease of the hand. We performed a monocentric retrospective cohort study. All patients who underwent selective aponeurectomy for Dupuytren's disease between 2010 and 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: either receiving or not receiving FG. The primary outcome variables were postoperative bleeding, wound healing impairment, and further pooled postoperative complications. One hundred and thirty-three patients were included in the analysis of which 108 patients were treated with FG, while 24 did not. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes regarding postoperative bleeding, infections, or revision surgery. However, in the group receiving FG, there was a tendency toward higher wound healing impairment (13%, p=0.07). The FG group showed a significantly higher pooled complication rate (18.5%, p<0.02). Complication in general increased with higher Tubiana classification and number of resected cords. Smoking tripled the risk of impaired wound, while cardiovascular comorbidities increased postoperative bleeding by the factor of 11. FG did not show a preventive outcome regarding bleeding. The FG group had a tendency for a higher wound healing incidence. Smoking and arterial hypertension correlated with a higher postoperative complication rate. The overall incidence of complications was higher in the FG group. The quality of the surgical intervention as well as accurate hemostasis cannot be corrected by the application of FG.

Dupuytren Disease: Prevalence, Incidence, and Lifetime Risk of Surgical Intervention. A Population-Based Cohort Analysis.

Health care burden attributable to Dupuytren disease (DD) is largely unknown. The authors determined (1) the prevalence and incidence of DD, (2) the incidence of first surgical intervention, and (3) the lifetime risk of surgical intervention in the United Kingdom National Healthcare Service. In this population-based dynamic cohort analysis, data of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink was linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, to characterize the diagnosis and surgical treatment of DD. Secular trends of incidence of DD diagnosis and first surgical treatment were calculated for 2000 to 2013. A multistate Markov model was designed to estimate the lifetime risk of first surgical intervention. A total of 10,553,454 subjects were included in the analyses, 5,502,879 (52%) of whom were women. Of these, 38,707 DD patients were identified. Point prevalence in 2013 was 0.67% (99% CI, 0.66 to 0.68). The incidence of DD almost doubled from 0.30 (99% CI, 0.28 to 0.33) per 1000 person-years in 2000, to 0.59 (99% CI, 0.56 to 0.62) per 1000 person-years in 2013. The incidence of first surgical intervention similarly increased from 0.29 (99% CI, 0.23 to 0.37) to 0.88 (99% CI, 0.77 to 1.00) in the same period. A man or woman newly diagnosed with DD at age 65 has a lifetime risk of surgical intervention of 23% and 13%, respectively, showing only a very subtle decrease when diagnosed later in life. DD is an important health condition in the older population, because prevalence and incidence rates have almost doubled in the past decade. Estimated lifetime risk of surgical treatment is relatively low, but almost twice in men compared with women. Risk, III.

Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase Underdosed for Multicord Injection in Dupuytren's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Patients with Dupuytren's disease affecting MCP joints with at least two independent pathological cords, causing deformity of two digits, were considered, with their written informed consent, for a simultaneous injection of the two cords with a single vial of collagenase. Digits treated with the standard dose of 0.58 mg were compared with digits injected with the smaller dose of 0.32 mg. Passive extension deficit and range of motion were evaluated after injection. Complications were also compared. A total of 26 patients (29 hands) were included in the study. Of these, nine patients had two independent cords within one hand, and 17 patients had a single cord (three of these with a cord in each hand). Thirty-five digits were injected, 23 with 0.58 mg and 12 with 0.32 mg. Apart from a smaller mean percentage variation in passive extension deficit within 24 hours in the 0.58-mg dose compared with 0.32 mg (29% versus 40%, P = 0.031), no other differences emerged if a dose of 0.32 mg is used instead of 0.58 mg, in terms of selected outcome measures and rate of complications (P > 0.05). Underdosing collagenase clostridium histolyticum is equally effective in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Predictors of Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a common multifactorial disease accompanied by deformity of the hand with flexion contracture of one or more fingers, limitation of their mobility and a fixed lesion. This disease refers to disorders of the connective tissue. Objective: to generalize the results of studies of environmental risk factors for DD and update existing ideas about modifiable and non-modifiable predictors of the disease in adults. Methods. We searched for full-text English-language publications in the PubMed, Springer, Scopus, Clinical Keys, Oxford Press, Google Scholar, eLIBRARY. Results. The most significant modifiable predictors of the development of DD include (top 5): occupation; hobby; lifestyle; comorbid diseases; drugs. Non-modifiable predictors include (top 5): gender; age; ethnos; race; genetics. Genetic predictors of DD are not well understood, but the number of candidate genes responsible for the development of DD is increasing and reaches the top 50 or more candidate genes with a statistically significant association with the risk of developing DD in adults. The most studied candidate genes are DUPC1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, WNT4, WNT7B. Discussion. Primary and secondary prevention of DD requires accounting of the mutual influence of modifiable and non-modifiable predictors in the disease development, as well as a personalized approach in planning and choosing non-surgical and surgical treatment, as well as the carriage of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) candidate genes associated with the development of DD. A promising direction in the prevention of disabling complications of DD may be the development of decision-making information programs (personalized algorithms) that take into account non-genetic and genetic predictors in a particular person, and their implementation in real clinical practice. Conclusion. Large multicenteral studies of the influence and mutual influence of modifiable and non-modifiable predictors with a single design are required in the future.

The lived experience and occupational impact of individuals with Dupuytren's disease: a scoping review

Background/Aims Understanding an individual's experience of living with Dupuytren's disease is important to support rehabilitation. The aim of this review was to explore the extent to which the literature provides an understanding of the lived experience of individuals with Dupuytren's disease, including the occupational impact. Methods A scoping review was completed. Three electronic databases were searched, using the terms Dupuytren* and experience. The search yielded 257 articles, and 60 were included in the final review. Results Most articles (43; 79.62%) made non-specific statements regarding occupational impacts. All articles (100%) included physical factors; 13 (24.07%) affective; five (9.45%) cognitive; and none discussed spirituality. Thematic analysis yielded an overarching theme of the prioritisation of professionals' perspectives. Sub-themes highlighted that most literature focused on a narrow biomedical aspects of the disease and included: a physical or reductionist approach to viewing the condition; glimpses of life with Dupuytren's disease; and a limited focus on the journey. Consultation with occupational therapists confirmed these themes and added discussion points. Conclusions There is a need for research regarding patient perspectives, including psychosocial factors, so that these are elucidated and prioritised. Further research should also explore how the impact of the condition changes over time, and how individuals cope and adapt.

Cost-effectiveness of adalimumab for early-stage Dupuytren's disease : an economic evaluation based on a randomized controlled trial and individual-patient simulation model.

To estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of adalimumab compared with standard care alone for the treatment of early-stage Dupuytren's disease (DD) and the value of further research from an NHS perspective. We used data from the Repurposing anti-TNF for Dupuytren's disease (RIDD) randomized controlled trial of intranodular adalimumab injections in patients with early-stage progressive DD. RIDD found that intranodular adalimumab injections reduced nodule hardness and size in patients with early-stage DD, indicating the potential to control disease progression. A within-trial cost-utility analysis compared four adalimumab injections with no further treatment against standard care alone, taking a 12-month time horizon and using prospective data on EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and resource use from the RIDD trial. We also developed a patient-level simulation model similar to a Markov model to extrapolate trial outcomes over a lifetime using data from the RIDD trial and a literature review. This also evaluated repeated courses of adalimumab each time the nodule reactivated (every three years) in patients who initially responded. The within-trial economic evaluation found that adalimumab plus standard care cost £503,410 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained versus standard care alone over a 12-month time horizon. The model-based extrapolation suggested that, over a lifetime, repeated courses of adalimumab could cost £14,593 (95% confidence interval £7,534 to £42,698) per QALY gained versus standard care alone. If the NHS was willing to pay £20,000/QALY gained, there is a 77% probability that adalimumab with retreatment is the best value for money. Repeated courses of adalimumab are likely to be a cost-effective treatment for progressive early-stage DD. The value of perfect parameter information that would eliminate all uncertainty around the parameters estimated in RIDD and the duration of quiescence was estimated to be £105 per patient or £272 million for all 2,584,411 prevalent cases in the UK. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open2022;3(11):898-906.