We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Needle Fasciotomy Recommended for Treating Viking Disease

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Jun 2018
Print article
Image: An example of Dupuytren\'s contracture on the ring finger (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia).
Image: An example of Dupuytren\'s contracture on the ring finger (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia).
A new study shows that needle release is just as effective as pharmaceutical treatment for treating Dupuytren's contracture, a pathological collagen disease that causes crooked fingers.

Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy (SA; Göteborg, Sweden) conducted a randomized, single-blinded controlled study that enrolled 156 patients with a Dupuytren contracture of at least 20° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in a single finger. The patients were randomized to either percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF), or to treatment with injectable Clostridium Histolyticum collagenase (CCH). A single surgeon administered all treatments, and all the patients were seen after one week and blinded to further follow-up.

In addition to the procedure itself, 39 of the patients were examined by ultrasound both before and after treatment in order to compare the morphological appearance of the cord rupture. The patients were assessed after six months, one year, and two years by a single physiotherapist who was blinded to the treatment each patient had received. Outcome measures included measurements (joint motion, recurrence, or prevalence of a Dupuytren cord), and patient reported outcome measures.

The results revealed that patients treated by CCH had significantly more pain and larger skin ruptures than the patients treated by PNF, but there were no other significant outcome differences between the two methods one year after treatment. After two years, 76% of patients treated by CCH and 79% of those treated by PNF still had a straight MCP joint in the treated finger; in over 50% of the patients, no cords were detectable after two years. The study was presented as a doctoral thesis on May 10, 2018.

“In my opinion, there has been excessive faith in the ability of this drug [CCH] to break down the cord better than surgery, while in many places alternative solutions have been forgotten or never even considered,” said lead author and dissertation presenter Joakim Stromberg, MD, PhD. “The needle release is not at all as troublesome for patients. This extremely simple method does not produce as much pain afterwards, nor does it require any specific rehabilitation.”

Dupuytren's contracture, often referred to as "Viking disease," is a common ailment that affects about 10% of men and two percent of women in the Nordic countries. In this condition, a cord consisting of pathological connective tissue forms on the palmar side of the finger, which over time can prevent the finger from being straightened. The pinky and ring fingers are most commonly affected, often in both hands. The disease is most common among individuals older than 60, and has also been linked to factors such as heredity and diabetes. It often recurs and needs to be treated again.

Related Links:
Sahlgrenska Academy

Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Multipurpose Gynecological Table
Dixion Grace 8400

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.