BACKGROUND

In this randomized controlled trial, the authors compared the recurrence of Dupuytren disease at 3 years following needle fasciotomy or collagenase injection treatment for isolated metacarpophalangeal joint contractures.

METHODS

The study was conducted between 2013 and 2015. The study design was a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial with an independent blinded observer. Patients were randomized between collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections (Xiapex) and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (collagenase clostridium histolyticum versus percutaneous needle fasciotomy). A total of 36 patients were followed in the percutaneous needle fasciotomy group and 32 in the collagenase clostridium histolyticum group.

RESULTS

Patients who were treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum had a significantly lower recurrence rate than patients treated with percutaneous needle fasciotomy during the 3-year period ( P = 0.007). Of the 36 patients who were followed in the percutaneous needle fasciotomy group, 17 (47%) had recurrence of extension deficit or progression of the disease leading to further treatment. Of the 32 patients who were followed in the collagenase clostridium histolyticum group, six (19%) had recurrence or progression. No serious adverse event was reported in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized controlled trial, we found less recurrence and progression of Dupuytren disease using collagenase injection as compared to percutaneous needle fasciotomy 3 years following treatment for isolated metacarpophalangeal joint contractures.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.