Improvement in the Appearance and Function of the Hand at 2 Weeks after Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren Disease

Background: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) has been successfully used for the treatment of contracture bands in the hand in patients with Dupuytren disease. The aim of this study is to determine aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks following PNF in patients with Dupuytren contracture. Methods: Seventy-five patients undergoing PNF for Dupuytren disease during a 4-month period were included. Patients completed the Visual Analogue Appearance Score (VAAS), Derriford Appearance Score (DAS), and the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH) preoperatively and at 2 weeks after surgery. In addition, VAAS was done in the immediate postoperative period as well. Results: Seventy-four (99%) patients completed the immediate postoperative VAAS scores and 51 (68%) completed the VAAS, DAS, and QuickDASH at 2 weeks. Preoperative VAAS fell from 6.01 to 1.53 (p < 0.0001) immediately post operation. Two weeks later, VAAS increased to 2.91 but was still significantly lower than preoperatively (p < 0.0001). DAS was unchanged. QuickDASH decreased from 22.4 preoperatively to 12.1 2 weeks later (p = 0.001). Conclusion: PNF for Dupuytren contracture resulted in improvement in both aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks. Longer term follow-up is required to determine whether these improvements are sustained.