The use of skeletal traction to correct the flexed PIP joint in Dupuytren's disease. A pilot study to assess the use of the Pipster.

The flexed PIP joint presents a particular problem in the treatment of advanced Dupuytren's disease. Following reports of the use of skeletal traction in the treatment of this condition, a simple device, the "Pipster" was developed to extend the PIP joint by skeletal traction before surgery. In seven fingers in five patients with severe contractures, there was a pre-operative improvement of at least 45 degrees in the flexion angle (measured as maximum achievable passive extension). The technique was effective in primary and recurrent disease. Subsequent surgery was facilitated and amputation avoided in five fingers. The optimum distraction technique was identified. The study continues with more patients.