Our Summary

This research paper discusses how doctors in Australia currently manage Dupuytren Disease, a hand condition that causes one or more fingers to bend into the palm.

The researchers distributed a questionnaire to members of The Australian Hand Surgery Society to gather information about the ways doctors prefer to treat the disease, and how their choices may be influenced by factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, and the extent of the disease.

The results showed that the most common goal of treatment is to correct deformity, and the least important is to shorten recovery time after surgery. There are several treatment methods available, but not all are used equally. Only 42% of the doctors surveyed perform a procedure called needle aponeurotomy, but 70% use collagenase injections, a treatment that breaks down the collagen causing the disease. The study also found that most of the doctors believe there’s enough evidence to support the use of collagenase injections for treating Dupuytren disease.

The paper concludes by stating that there are various methods of treating Dupuytren Disease in Australia, and collagenase injections are becoming an increasingly popular choice.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common treatment goal for Dupuytren Disease according to Australian doctors?
  2. Which treatment method is more popular among Australian doctors, needle aponeurotomy or collagenase injections?
  3. Does the majority of Australian doctors believe there is enough evidence to support the use of collagenase injections for treating Dupuytren disease?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery for Dupuytren Disease is to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare provider and ask about the potential benefits and risks of each method. It’s important for patients to be informed and involved in the decision-making process when it comes to their treatment plan. Additionally, following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments is crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery for Dupuytren Disease are those who have severe contractures that affect their daily activities, such as difficulty gripping objects or performing tasks with their hands. Patients who have tried non-surgical treatments without success or who have a high risk of recurrence may also be candidates for hand surgery. Additionally, patients who have a progressive form of the disease or who have multiple affected fingers may benefit from surgery to correct the deformity and improve hand function.

Overall, the decision to recommend hand surgery for Dupuytren Disease is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, disease progression, and treatment goals. Patients should consult with a hand surgeon to discuss their options and determine the best course of treatment for their specific situation.

Timeline

-Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of Dupuytren Disease, such as one or more fingers bending into the palm.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor or hand specialist to discuss treatment options.
  3. Doctor evaluates the extent of the disease, the patient’s age, activity level, and other factors to determine the best course of treatment.
  4. Treatment options are discussed, which may include needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injections, or surgery.
  5. Patient and doctor decide on a treatment plan.

-After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the chosen treatment, whether it be surgery, injections, or another method.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the hand after surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative instructions provided by the doctor, such as wearing a splint, doing hand exercises, and attending follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient gradually regains strength and function in the hand through rehabilitation and physical therapy.
  5. Patient continues to follow up with the doctor to monitor progress and address any complications or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery for Dupuytren Disease may include:

  1. What treatment options are available for my Dupuytren Disease?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?
  3. How will the chosen treatment option affect my hand function and mobility?
  4. What is the success rate of the treatment options for Dupuytren Disease?
  5. What is the recovery process like after hand surgery for Dupuytren Disease?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered?
  7. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my hand condition after treatment?
  8. What are the long-term outcomes of the different treatment options?
  9. How will my age, activity level, and the extent of the disease impact the choice of treatment?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to prevent recurrence of Dupuytren Disease?

Reference

Authors: Paynter JA, Tobin V, Rozen WM, Hunter-Smith DJ. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2020 Dec;25(4):453-461. doi: 10.1142/S2424835520500502. PMID: 33115367