Dupuytren's contracture | |
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Other names | Dupuytren's disease, Morbus Dupuytren, palmar fibromatosis, Viking disease, and Celtic hand, [1] contraction of palmar fascia, palmar fascial fibromatosis, palmar fibromas [2] |
Dupuytren's contracture of the ring finger | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Rheumatology |
Symptoms | One or more fingers permanently bent in a flexed position, hard nodule just under the skin of the palm [2] |
Complications | Trouble preparing food or writing [2] |
Usual onset | Gradual onset in males over 50 [2] |
Causes | Unknown [4] |
Risk factors | Family history, alcoholism, smoking, thyroid problems, liver disease, diabetes, epilepsy [2] [4] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms [4] |
Treatment | Steroid injections, clostridial collagenase injections, surgery [4] [5] |
Frequency | ~5% (US) [2] |
Dupuytren's contracture (also called Dupuytren's disease, Morbus Dupuytren, Palmar fibromatosis and historically as Viking disease or Celtic hand) is a condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position. [2] It is named after Guillaume Dupuytren, who first described the underlying mechanism of action, followed by the first successful operation in 1831 and publication of the results in The Lancet in 1834. [6] It usually begins as small, hard nodules just under the skin of the palm, [2] then worsens over time until the fingers can no longer be fully straightened. While typically not painful, some aching or itching, or pain, [7] may be present. [2] The ring finger followed by the little and middle fingers are most commonly affected. [2] It can affect one or both hands. [8] The condition can interfere with activities such as preparing food, writing, putting the hand in a tight pocket, putting on gloves, or shaking hands. [2]
The cause is unknown but might have a genetic component. [4] Risk factors include family history, alcoholism, smoking, thyroid problems, liver disease, diabetes, previous hand trauma, and epilepsy. [2] [4] The underlying mechanism involves the formation of abnormal connective tissue within the palmar fascia. [2] Diagnosis is usually based on a physical exam. [4] Blood tests or imaging studies are not usually necessary. [8]
Initial treatment is typically with cortisone injected into the affected area, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. [4] Among those who worsen, clostridial collagenase injections or surgery may be tried. [4] [5] Radiation therapy may be used to treat this condition. [9] The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Faculty of Clinical Oncology concluded that radiotherapy is effective in early stage disease which has progressed within the last 6 to 12 months. The condition may recur at some time after treatment; [4] it can then be treated again. It is easier to treat when the amount of finger bending is more mild. [8]
It was once believed that Dupuytren's most often occurs in white males over the age of 50 [2] and is rare among Asians and Africans. [6] It sometimes was called "Viking disease," since it was often recorded among those of Nordic descent. [6] In Norway, about 30% of men over 60 years old have the condition, while in the United States about 5% of people are affected at some point in time. [2] In the United Kingdom, about 20% of people over 65 have some form of the disease. [6]
More recent and wider studies show the highest prevalence in Africa (17 percent), Asia (15 percent). [10]
Typically, Dupuytren's contracture first presents as a thickening or nodule in the palm, which initially can be with or without pain. [11] Later in the disease process, which can be years later, [12] there is increasing loss of range of motion of the affected finger(s). The earliest sign of a contracture is a triangular "puckering" of the skin of the palm as it passes over the flexor tendon just before the flexor crease of the finger, at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.[ citation needed ]
Dupuytren disease is generally considered painless, but can be painful if nerve tissue is involved, although this is not usually discussed in the literature. [7] The most common finger to be affected is the ring finger; the thumb and index finger are much less often affected. [13] The disease begins in the palm and moves towards the fingers, with the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints affected before the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. [14] The MCP joints at the base of the finger responds much better to treatment and are usually able to fully extend after treatment. Due to anatomic differences in the ligaments and extensor tendons at the PIP joints, they may have some residual flexion. Proper patient education is necessary to set realistic treatment expectation. In Dupuytren's contracture, the palmar fascia within the hand becomes abnormally thick, which can cause the fingers to curl and can impair finger function. The main function of the palmar fascia is to increase grip strength; thus, over time, Dupuytren's contracture decreases a person's ability to hold objects and use the hand in many different activities. Dupuytren's contracture can also be experienced as embarrassing in social situations and can affect quality of life. [15] People may report pain, aching, and itching with the contractions. Normally, the palmar fascia consists of collagen type I, but in Dupuytren patients, the collagen changes to collagen type III, which is significantly thicker than collagen type I. [16]
People with severe involvement often show lumps on the back of their finger joints (called "Garrod's pads", "knuckle pads", or "dorsal Dupuytren nodules"), and lumps in the arch of the feet (plantar fibromatosis or Ledderhose disease). [17] In severe cases, the area where the palm meets the wrist may develop lumps. It is thought the condition Peyronie's disease is related to Dupuytren's contracture. [18]
In one study those with stage 2 of the disease were found to have a slightly increased risk of mortality, especially from cancer. [19]
Many risk factors have been suggested or identified:
There may be three types of Dupuytren's disease: [31]
Treatment is indicated when the so-called table-top test is positive. With this test, the person places their hand on a table. If the hand lies completely flat on the table, the test is considered negative. If the hand cannot be placed completely flat on the table, leaving a space between the table and a part of the hand as big as the diameter of a ballpoint pen, the test is considered positive and surgery or other treatment may be indicated. Additionally, finger joints may become fixed and rigid. There are several types of treatment, with some hands needing repeated treatment.[ citation needed ]
The main categories listed by the International Dupuytren Society in order of stage of disease are radiation therapy, needle aponeurotomy (NA), collagenase injection, and hand surgery. As of 2016 [update] the evidence on the efficacy of radiation therapy was considered inadequate in quantity and quality, and difficult to interpret because of uncertainty about the natural history of Dupuytren's disease. [33]
Needle aponeurotomy is most effective for Stages I and II, covering 6–90 degrees of deformation of the finger. However, it is also used at other stages. Collagenase injection is likewise most effective for Stages I and II. However, it is also used at other stages.[ citation needed ]
Hand surgery is effective at stage I to stage IV. [34]
On 12 June 1831, Dupuytren performed a surgical procedure on a person with contracture of the 4th and 5th digits who had been previously told by other surgeons that the only remedy was cutting the flexor tendons. He described the condition and the operation in The Lancet in 1834 [35] after presenting it in 1833, and posthumously in 1836 in a French publication by Hôtel-Dieu de Paris. [36] The procedure he described was a minimally invasive needle procedure.
Because of high recurrence rates,[ citation needed ] new surgical techniques were introduced, such as fasciectomy and then dermofasciectomy. Most of the diseased tissue is removed with these procedures.Recurrence rates are low.[ clarify ] For some individuals, the partial insertion of "K-wires" into either the DIP or PIP joint of the affected digit for a period of a least 21 days to fuse the joint is the only way to halt the disease's progress. After removal of the wires, the joint is fixed into flexion, which is considered preferable to fusion at extension.
Research using large datasets in the UK has shown surgery to be safe and effective. When surgery needs to be repeated, however, the research suggests there are higher risks of serious complications such as finger amputation. [37] [38] Amputation of fingers may be needed for severe or recurrent cases or after surgical complications. [39]
Limited/selective fasciectomy removes the pathological tissue, and is a common approach. [40] [41] A 2015 Cochrane review reported that low-quality evidence suggested that fasciectomy may be more effective for people with advanced Dupuytren's contractures. [42]
During the procedure, the person is under regional or general anesthesia. A surgical tourniquet prevents blood flow to the limb. [43] The skin is often opened with a zig-zag incision but straight incisions with or without Z-plasty are also described and may reduce damage to neurovascular bundles. [44] All diseased cords and fascia are excised. [40] [41] [43] The excision has to be very precise to spare the neurovascular bundles. [43] Because not all the diseased tissue is visible macroscopically, complete excision is uncertain. [41]
A 20-year review of surgical complications associated with fasciectomy showed that major complications occurred in 15.7% of cases, including digital nerve injury (3.4%), digital artery injury (2%), infection (2.4%), hematoma (2.1%), and complex regional pain syndrome (5.5%), in addition to minor complications including painful flare reactions in 9.9% of cases and wound healing complications in 22.9% of cases. [45] After the tissue is removed the incision is closed. In the case of a shortage of skin, the transverse part of the zig-zag incision is left open. Stitches are removed 10 days after surgery. [43]
After surgery, the hand is wrapped in a light compressive bandage for one week. Flexion and extension of the fingers can start as soon as the anaesthesia has resolved. It is common to experience tingling within the first week after surgery. [42] Hand therapy is often recommended. [43] Approximately 6 weeks after surgery the patient is able completely to use the hand. [46]
The average recurrence rate is 39% after a fasciectomy after a median interval of about 4 years. [47]
Limited/selective fasciectomy under local anesthesia (LA) with epinephrine but no tourniquet is possible. In 2005, Denkler described the technique. [48] [49]
Dermofasciectomy is a surgical procedure that may be used when:
Typically, the excised skin is replaced with a skin graft, usually full thickness, [41] consisting of the epidermis and the entire dermis. In most cases the graft is taken from the antecubital fossa (the crease of skin at the elbow joint) or the inner side of the upper arm. [51] [52] This place is chosen because the skin color best matches the palm's skin color. The skin on the inner side of the upper arm is thin and has enough skin to supply a full-thickness graft. The donor site can be closed with a direct suture. [51]
The graft is sutured to the skin surrounding the wound. For one week the hand is protected with a dressing. The hand and arm are elevated with a sling. The dressing is then removed and careful mobilization can be started, gradually increasing in intensity. [51] After this procedure the risk of recurrence is minimised, [41] [51] [52] but Dupuytren's can recur in the skin graft [53] and complications from surgery may occur.[ vague ] [54]
Segmental fasciectomy involves excising part(s) of the contracted cord so that it disappears or no longer contracts the finger. It is less invasive than the limited fasciectomy, because not all the diseased tissue is excised and the skin incisions are smaller. [55]
The person is placed under regional anesthesia and a surgical tourniquet is used. The skin is opened with small curved incisions over the diseased tissue. If necessary, incisions are made in the fingers. [55] Pieces of cord and fascia of approximately one centimeter are excised. The cords are placed under maximum tension while they are cut. A scalpel is used to separate the tissues. [55] The surgeon keeps removing small parts until the finger can fully extend. [55] [56] The person is encouraged to start moving his or her hand the day after surgery. They wear an extension splint for two to three weeks, except during physical therapy. [55]
The same procedure is used in the segmental fasciectomy with cellulose implant. After the excision and a careful hemostasis, the cellulose implant is placed in a single layer in between the remaining parts of the cord. [56]
After surgery people wear a light pressure dressing for four days, followed by an extension splint. The splint is worn continuously during nighttime for eight weeks. During the first weeks after surgery the splint may be worn during daytime. [56]
Studies have been conducted for percutaneous release, extensive percutaneous aponeurotomy with lipografting and collagenase. These treatments show promise. [57] [58] [59] [60]
Needle aponeurotomy is a minimally-invasive technique where the cords are weakened through the insertion and manipulation of a small needle. The cord is sectioned at as many levels as possible in the palm and fingers, depending on the location and extent of the disease, using a 25-gauge needle mounted on a 10 ml syringe. [57] Once weakened, the offending cords can be snapped by putting tension on the finger(s) and pulling the finger(s) straight. After the treatment a small dressing is applied for 24 hours, after which people are able to use their hands normally. No splints or physiotherapy are given. [57]
The advantage of needle aponeurotomy is the minimal intervention without incision (done in the office under local anesthesia) and the very rapid return to normal activities without need for rehabilitation, but the nodules may resume growing. [61] A study reported postoperative gain is greater at the MCP-joint level than at the level of the IP-joint and found a reoperation rate of 24%; complications are scarce. [62] Needle aponeurotomy may be performed on fingers that are severely bent (stage IV), and not just in early stages. A 2003 study showed 85% recurrence rate after 5 years. [63]
A comprehensive review of the results of needle aponeurotomy in 1,013 fingers was performed by Gary M. Pess, MD, Rebecca Pess, DPT, and Rachel Pess, PsyD, and published in the Journal of Hand Surgery April 2012. Minimal follow-up was 3 years. Metacarpophalangeal joint (MP) contractures were corrected at an average of 99% and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) contractures at an average of 89% immediately post procedure. At final follow-up, 72% of the correction was maintained for MP joints and 31% for PIP joints. The difference between the final corrections for MP versus PIP joints was statistically significant. When a comparison was performed between people aged 55 years and older versus under 55 years, there was a statistically significant difference at both MP and PIP joints, with greater correction maintained in the older group.[ citation needed ]
Gender differences were not statistically significant. Needle aponeurotomy provided successful correction to 5° or less contracture immediately post procedure in 98% (791) of MP joints and 67% (350) of PIP joints. There was recurrence of 20° or less over the original post-procedure corrected level in 80% (646) of MP joints and 35% (183) of PIP joints. Complications were rare except for skin tears, which occurred in 3.4% (34) of digits. This study showed that NA is a safe procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. The complication rate was low, but recurrences were frequent in younger people and for PIP contractures. [64]
A technique introduced in 2011 is extensive percutaneous aponeurotomy with lipografting. [58] This procedure also uses a needle to cut the cords. The difference with the percutaneous needle fasciotomy is that the cord is cut at many places. The cord is also separated from the skin to make place for the lipograft that is taken from the abdomen or ipsilateral flank. [58] This technique shortens the recovery time. The fat graft results in supple skin. [58]
Before the aponeurotomy, a liposuction is done to the abdomen and ipsilateral flank to collect the lipograft. [58] The treatment can be performed under regional or general anesthesia. The digits are placed under maximal extension tension using a firm lead hand retractor. The surgeon makes multiple palmar puncture wounds with small nicks. The tension on the cords is crucial, because tight constricting bands are most susceptible to be cut and torn by the small nicks, whereas the relatively loose neurovascular structures are spared. After the cord is completely cut and separated from the skin the lipograft is injected under the skin. A total of about 5 to 10 ml is injected per ray. [58]
After the treatment the person wears an extension splint for 5 to 7 days. Thereafter the person returns to normal activities and is advised to use a night splint for up to 20 weeks. [58]
The cords are weakened through the injection of small amounts of the enzyme collagenase, which breaks peptide bonds in collagen. [59] [65] [66] [67] [60] [ excessive citations ]
Clostridial collagenase injections have been found to be more effective than placebo. [5]
In February 2010 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved injectable collagenase extracted from Clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture in adults with a palpable Dupuytren's cord. (Three years later, it was approved as well for the treatment of the sometimes related Peyronie's disease.) [68] [12] In 2011 its use for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture was approved as well by the European Medicines Agency, and it received similar approval in Australia in 2013. [12] However, the Swedish manufacturer abruptly withdrew distribution of this drug in Europe and the UK in March 2020 for commercial reasons. [69] (It now is promoted primarily as a dermatological treatment for cellulite aka "cottage cheese thighs"). [70] Collagenase is no longer available on the National Health System except as part of a small clinical trial. [71]
The treatment with collagenase is different for the MCP joint and the PIP joint. In a MCP joint contracture the needle must be placed at the point of maximum bowstringing of the palpable cord. [59] The needle is placed vertically on the bowstring. The collagenase is distributed across three injection points. [59] For the PIP joint the needle must be placed not more than 4 mm distal to palmar digital crease at 2–3 mm depth. [59] The injection for PIP consists of one injection filled with 0.58 mg CCH 0.20 ml. [60] The needle must be placed horizontal to the cord and also uses a 3-point distribution. [59] After the injection the person's hand is wrapped in bulky gauze dressing and must be elevated for the rest of the day. After 24 hours the person returns for passive digital extension to rupture the cord. Moderate pressure for 10–20 seconds ruptures the cord. [59] After the treatment with collagenase the person should use a night splint and perform digital flexion/extension exercises several times per day for 4 months. [59]
Radiation therapy has been used mostly for early-stage disease, but is unproven. [9] Evidence to support its use as of 2017 [update] , however, was scarce—efforts to gather evidence are complicated due to a poor understanding of how the condition develops over time. [9] [33] It has been studied in early disease. [9] The Royal College of Radiologists concluded that radiotherapy is effective in early stage disease which has progressed within the last 6 to 12 months. [72]
Several alternate therapies such as vitamin E treatment have been studied, though without control groups. Most doctors do not value those treatments. [73] None of these treatments stops or cures the condition permanently. A 1949 study of vitamin E therapy found that "In twelve of the thirteen patients there was no evidence whatever of any alteration. ... The treatment has been abandoned." [74] [75]
Laser treatment (using red and infrared at low power) was informally discussed in 2013 at an International Dupuytren Society forum, [76] as of which time little or no formal evaluation of the techniques had been completed.
Postoperative care involves hand therapy and splinting. Hand therapy is prescribed to optimize post-surgical function and to prevent joint stiffness. The extent of hand therapy is depending on the patient and the corrective procedure. [77]
Besides hand therapy, many surgeons advise the use of static or dynamic splints after surgery to maintain finger mobility. The splint is used to provide prolonged stretch to the healing tissues and prevent flexion contractures. Although splinting is a widely used post-operative intervention, evidence of its effectiveness is limited, [78] leading to variation in splinting approaches. Most surgeons use clinical experience to decide whether to splint. [79] Cited advantages include maintenance of finger extension and prevention of new flexion contractures. Cited disadvantages include joint stiffness, prolonged pain, discomfort, [79] subsequently reduced function and edema.
A third approach emphasizes early self-exercise and stretching. [49]
Dupuytren's disease has a high recurrence rate, especially when a person has so-called Dupuytren's diathesis. The term diathesis relates to certain features of Dupuytren's disease, and indicates an aggressive course of disease. [32]
The presence of all new Dupuytren's diathesis factors increases the risk of recurrent Dupuytren's disease by 71%, compared with a baseline risk of 23% in people lacking the factors. [32] In another study the prognostic value of diathesis was evaluated. It was concluded that presence of diathesis can predict recurrence and extension. [80] A scoring system was made to evaluate the risk of recurrence and extension, based on the following values: bilateral hand involvement, little-finger surgery, early onset of disease, plantar fibrosis, knuckle pads, and radial side involvement. [80]
Minimally invasive therapies may precede higher recurrence rates. Recurrence lacks a consensus definition. Furthermore, different standards and measurements follow from the various definitions.[ citation needed ]
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a nerve compression syndrome associated with the collected signs and symptoms of compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an idiopathic syndrome but there are environmental, and medical risk factors associated with the condition. CTS can affect both wrists.
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a disorder characterized by catching or locking of the involved finger in full or near full flexion, typically with force. There may be tenderness in the palm of the hand near the last skin crease. The name "trigger finger" may refer to the motion of "catching" like a trigger on a gun. The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected.
Arthrogryposis (AMC) describes congenital joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. It derives its name from Greek, literally meaning 'curving of joints'.
Sclerodactyly is a localized thickening and tightness of the skin of the fingers or toes that yields a characteristic claw-like appearance and spindle shape of the affected digits, and renders them immobile or of limited mobility. The thickened, discolored patches of skin are called morphea, and may involve connective tissue below the skin, as well as muscle and other tissues. Sclerodactyly is often preceded by months or even years by Raynaud's phenomenon when it is part of systemic scleroderma.
Plantar fascial fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose's disease, Morbus Ledderhose, and plantar fibromatosis, is a relatively uncommon non-malignant thickening of the feet's deep connective tissue, or fascia. In the beginning, where nodules start growing in the fascia of the foot, the disease is minor. Over time, walking becomes painful. The disease is named after Georg Ledderhose, a German surgeon who described the condition for the first time in 1894. A similar disease is Dupuytren's disease, which affects the hand and causes bent hand or fingers.
A mallet finger, also known as hammer finger or PLF finger or Hannan finger, is an extensor tendon injury at the farthest away finger joint. This results in the inability to extend the finger tip without pushing it. There is generally pain and bruising at the back side of the farthest away finger joint.
Boutonniere deformity is a deformed position of the fingers or toes, in which the joint nearest the knuckle is permanently bent toward the palm while the farthest joint is bent back away. Causes include injury, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and genetic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
In pathology, a contracture is a shortening of muscles, tendons, skin, and nearby soft tissues that causes the joints to shorten and become very stiff, preventing normal movement. A contracture is usually permanent, but less commonly can be temporary, or resolve over time but reoccur later in life.
An ulnar claw, also known as claw hand or ‘Spinster’s Claw’, is a deformity or an abnormal attitude of the hand that develops due to ulnar nerve damage causing paralysis of the lumbricals. A claw hand presents with a hyperextension at the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the 4th and 5th fingers. The patients with this condition can make a full fist but when they extend their fingers, the hand posture is referred to as claw hand. The ring- and little finger can usually not fully extend at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP).
The hand is a very complex organ with multiple joints, different types of ligament, tendons and nerves. Hand disease injuries are common in society and can result from excessive use, degenerative disorders or trauma.
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is an enzyme produced by the bacterium Clostridium histolyticum that dismantles collagen. It is used as a powder-and-solvent injection kit for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, a condition where the fingers bend towards the palm and cannot be fully straightened, and Peyronie's disease, a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis. BioSpecifics Technologies developed the preparation, which is manufactured and marketed by Endo Pharmaceuticals as Xiaflex in the US and by Sobi as Xiapex in Europe.
Dynasplint Systems, Incorporated (DSI) is a company that designs, manufactures and sells dynamic splints that are used for range of motion rehabilitation. The corporate headquarters are located in Severna Park, Maryland and it is considered a major employer in Anne Arundel County. Products are Made in the US in Stevensville, Maryland. There is a national sales force throughout the US as well as a presence in Canada and Europe.
Hathewaya histolytica is a species of bacteria found in feces and the soil. It is a motile, gram-positive, aerotolerant anaerobe. H. histolytica is pathogenic in many species, including guinea pigs, mice, and rabbits, and humans. H. histolytica has been shown to cause gas gangrene, often in association with other bacteria species.
Congenital clasped thumb describes an anomaly which is characterized by a fixed thumb into the palm at the metacarpophalangeal joint in one or both hands. The incidence and genetic background are unknown. A study of Weckesser et al. showed that boys are twice as often affected with congenital clasped thumb compared to girls. The anomaly is in most cases bilateral . A congenital clasped thumb can be an isolated anomaly, but can also be attributed to several syndromes.
Congenital trigger thumb is a trigger thumb in infants and young children. Triggering, clicking or snapping is observed by flexion or extension of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ). In the furthest stage, no extension is possible and there is a fixed flexion deformity of the thumb in the IPJ. Cause, natural history, prognosis and recommended treatment are controversial.
Radial dysplasia, also known as radial club hand or radial longitudinal deficiency, is a congenital difference occurring in a longitudinal direction resulting in radial deviation of the wrist and shortening of the forearm. It can occur in different ways, from a minor anomaly to complete absence of the radius, radial side of the carpal bones and thumb. Hypoplasia of the distal humerus may be present as well and can lead to stiffness of the elbow. Radial deviation of the wrist is caused by lack of support to the carpus, radial deviation may be reinforced if forearm muscles are functioning poorly or have abnormal insertions. Although radial longitudinal deficiency is often bilateral, the extent of involvement is most often asymmetric.
Wrist arthroscopy can be used to look inside the joint of the wrist. It is a minimally invasive technique which can be utilized for diagnostic purposes as well as for therapeutic interventions. Wrist arthroscopy has been used for diagnostic purposes since it was first introduced in 1979. However, it only became accepted as diagnostic tool around the mid-1980s. At that time, arthroscopy of the wrist was an innovative technique to determine whether a problem could be found in the wrist. A few years later, wrist arthroscopy could also be used as a therapeutic tool.
Hugh Graham Stack FRCS was a British orthopaedic surgeon with a specialism in surgery of the hand. He was secretary of the Second Hand Club and was instrumental in the merger of the British hand surgery organisations to become the British Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Acquired hand deformity refers to the structural or functional abnormalities that develop in the hand. There are multiple varying causes of acquired hand deformity, triggering significant consequences and complications. Trauma, including blunt force, penetrating injuries, burns, and sports-related incidents, is a primary cause of acquired hand deformities. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus can also contribute to hand deformities by affecting the joints. Degenerative arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, functions to evoke impaired hand function due to the gradual deterioration of cartilage. Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy can result in hand contractures due to increased muscle tone and stiffness. There are different types of acquired hand deformities, each with distinct characteristics and underlying causes, such as boutonnière deformity, Dupuytren's contracture, gamekeeper's thumb, hand osteoarthritis deformity, mallet finger, swan-neck deformity, ulnar claw hand, among many others.
The Living Textbook of Hand Surgery is an editable and updatable open access textbook for hand surgery in English.
On balance, radiotherapy should be considered an unproven treatment for early Dupuytren's disease due to a scarce evidence base and unknown long-term adverse effects.
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