Locking of the MCP joint of the finger, except with stenosing tenosynovitis, is relatively rare. The middle finger is most frequently involved. We treated 7 patients who had locking of the MCP joint of the middle finger because of osteophyte of the metacarpal head. The locking of the MCP joint usually occurred in the older patient as a result of significant osteophyte around the metacarpal head. Unlocking of the MCP joint was done by closed manipulation under local anaesthesia. Locking of the MCP joint of the finger because of other causes than tenosynovitis has been reported infrequently. Locking of the MCP joint caused by osteophyte of the head of the metacarpal is characterised by painful loss of extension of the MCP joint without loss of flexion. We have treated 7 patients who had locking of the MCP joint occurring in the middle finger with an obvious osteophyte of the metacarpal head. Seven patients, 4 women and 3 men, were treated in our Department. None of the patients had a history of trauma to their hands, and in all of them it was the dominant hand which was affected and usually due to powerful full flexion movement of the fingers. The average age was 73.8 years (65 – 81). The duration of locking was from 3 hours to 14 days. All the patients were treated within 30–60 minutes after reporting to our Clinic. The presentation of the patients was extremely similar. In all cases active and passive extension was blocked and they had pain around the finger. Full flexion was possible. The MCP joint was tender around the palmar aspect with slight diffuse swelling around the dorsal aspect. Radiographs of the MCP showed degenerative changes in all the patients and oblique views demonstrated an osteophyte either on the ulnar or the radial side of the head. Local anaesthetic Lignocaine 1% 5ml was injected in the MCP and around the joint and after 5–10 minutes manipulation was performed, unlocking achieved and the patients straightaway extended and flexed the finger fully. No-one underwent surgical release. Follow-up from 3 to 8 months, average 6 months. No recurrence of the locking. Akio Minami reported 4 cases of MCP joint locking of the middle finger, treated surgically. Williams classified the locking of the MCP joint in 3 groups. Langenskiold reported 2 cases of intrinsic locking of the MCP due to catching of the collateral ligament on the lateral bony projection of the metacarpal head. It is very difficult to explain why the middle finger is most likely affected. Kessler noted that the MCP joint seldom participates in a generalised degenerative OA

Aims. Complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb are a common injury, yet little is known about their current management in the UK. The objective of this study was to assess the way complete UCL ruptures are managed in the UK. Methods. We carried out a multicentre, survey-based cross-sectional study in 37 UK centres over a 16-month period from June 2022 to September 2023. The survey results were analyzed descriptively. Results. A total of 37 centres participated, of which nine were tertiary referral hand centres and 28 were district general hospitals. There was a total of 112 respondents (69 surgeons and 43 hand therapists). The strongest influence on the decision to offer surgery was the lack of a firm ‘endpoint’ to stressing the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) in either full extension or with the MCPJ in 30° of flexion. There was variability in whether additional imaging was used in managing acute UCL injuries, with 46% routinely using additional imaging while 54% did not. The use of a bone anchor was by far the most common surgical option for reconstructing an acute ligament avulsion (97%, n = 67) with a transosseous suture used by 3% (n = 2). The most common duration of immobilization for those managed conservatively was six weeks (58%, n = 65) and four weeks (30%, n = 34). Most surgeons (87%, n = 60) and hand therapists (95%, n = 41) would consider randomizing patients with complete UCL ruptures in a future clinical trial. Conclusion. The management of complete UCL ruptures in the UK is highly variable in certain areas, and there is a willingness for clinical trials on this subject. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):708–714

Aims. We performed a systematic review of the current literature regarding the outcomes of unconstrained metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthroplasty. Materials and Methods. We initially identified 1305 studies, and 406 were found to be duplicates. After exclusion criteria were applied, seven studies were included. Outcomes extracted included pre- and post-operative pain visual analogue scores, range of movement (ROM), strength of pinch and grip, satisfaction and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Clinical and radiological complications were recorded. The results are presented in three groups based on the design of the arthroplasty and the aetiology (pyrocarbon-osteoarthritis (pyro-OA), pyrocarbon-inflammatory arthritis (pyro-IA), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP)). Results. Results show that pyrocarbon implants provide an 85% reduction in pain, 144% increase of pinch grip and 13° improvements in ROM for both OA and IA combined. Patients receiving MoP arthroplasties had a reduction in pinch strength. Satisfaction rates were 91% and 92% for pyrocarbon-OA and pyrocarbon-IA groups, respectively. There were nine failures in 87 joints (10.3%) over a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (1.0 to 14.3) for pyro-OA. There were 18 failures in 149 joints (12.1%) over a mean period of 6.6 years (1.0 to 16.0) for pyro-IA. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies and the limited presentation of data. Conclusion. We would recommend prospective data collection for small joint arthroplasties of the hand consisting of PROMs that would allow clinicians to come to stronger conclusions about the impact on function of replacing the MCPJs. A national joint registry may be the best way to achieve this. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:100–6

Intra-operative fluoroscopy in thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis has been recommended as a means of achieving optimal alignment more consistently. This is not our current practice. A patient attending dissatisfied with an arthrodesis in excessive flexion performed outwith our unit highlighted the potential for problems, and we therefore elected to review our own outcomes. An evaluation of the alignment achieved in thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodeses, to determine if current outcomes satisfactory or if fluoroscopic assistance should be considered. Radiological review of alignment of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthodeses carried out by two Consultant Surgeons with specialist interests in upper limb surgery in a District General hospital. Cases were predominantly identified retrospectively from sequential review of operating lists. The radiological images were, or had been taken, as part of routine follow-up and were not standardised. The alignment was also assessed independently by a junior doctor with no involvement in the patient's surgical treatment and no knowledge of the intended alignment. Recommended positions for arthrodesis have covered a range from 0 to 30 degrees, so for the purposes of analysis that range was considered acceptable. 14 cases had an average fusion position of 18 degrees flexion (range 6 to 30 degrees). 6 underwent concurrent ipsilaterel trapeziectomy. The series achieved satisfactory alignment radiologically without the routine use of intra-operative fluoroscopy

There are few reports describing dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb in children. This study describes the clinical features and outcome of 37 such dislocations and correlates the radiological pattern with the type of dislocation. The mean age at injury was 7.3 years (3 to 13). A total of 33 children underwent closed reduction (11 under general anaesthesia). Four needed open reduction in two of which there was soft-tissue interposition. All cases obtained a good result. There was no infection, recurrent dislocation or significant stiffness. So-called ‘simple complete’ dislocations that present with the classic radiological finding of the joint at 90° dorsal angulation may be ‘complex complete’ injuries and require open reduction

Introduction. An understanding of anatomic variability can help guide the surgeon on intervention strategies. Well-functioning thumb metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ) are essential for carrying out typical daily activities. However, current options for arthroplasty are limited. This is further hindered by the lack of a precise understanding of the geometric variation present in the population. In this paper, we offer new insight into the major modes of geometric variation in the thumb MCP using Statistical Shape Modelling. Methods. Ten participants free from hand or wrist disease or injury were recruited for CT imaging (Ethics Ref:14/LO/1059). 1. Participants were sex matched with mean age 31yrs (range 27–37yrs). Metacarpal (MC1) and proximal phalanx (PP1) bone surfaces were identified in the CT volumes using a greyscale threshold, and meshed. The ten MC1 and ten PP1 segmented bones were aligned by estimating their principal axes using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and registration was performed to enable statistical comparison of the position of each mesh vertex. PCA was then used again, to reduce the dimensionality of the data by identifying the main ‘modes’ of independent size and shape variation (principal components, PCs) present in the population. Once the PCs were identified, the variation described by each PC was explored by inspecting the shape change at two standard deviations either side of the mean bone shape. Results. For the ten MC1s, over 80% of the variation was described by the first two PCs (Table 1). Figure 1 shows the effect of the variation in PC1. The majority of geometric variation of the ten PP1s was also described by the first two PCs, with PC1 describing 78.9%. Figure 2 shows the effect of this component on the mean bone geometry. Both the distal articulating surface (head) of the MC1 and the proximal articulating surface (base) of the PP1 vary in overall size. However, the MC1 head also varies in shape (curvature), whereas the PP1 base does not appear to undergo noticeable variation in shape. In this study population, smaller MC1 was observed to correlate with a flatter head, whereas the PP1 head shape did not vary with size. Discussion. The flatter MC1 head (smaller height-radius ratio) may have implications for MCPJ instability, and possibly for osteoarthritic degeneration. A recent study predicted similar trends for the first CMC joint. 2. Previous investigation also observed correlation between MC1 head curvature and MCPJ RoM. 3. , which may explain clinical observations of differing thumb movement strategies. This study used a convenience sample and cannot describe a full population's variability, though the high variance captured by only two PCs suggests adequate external validity amongst similar populations. Further confidence would be gained from studying the joint (i.e. single PCA containing both bones), and wider populations. Significance. These data: provide more precise description of anatomic variation; may offer insights into thumb movement strategies and MCPJ osteoarthritic degeneration. 4. ; and support implant design for individuals whose anatomy can bear an anatomic reconstruction. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Introduction: The thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocations in children are relatively uncommon and scarcely described in the English literature. The aim of this study was to report the clinical course and outcome of traumatic dislocations of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joints in children. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 37 traumatic dislocations of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joints in 37 children between 1990 and 2005. All patients were treated by five orthopaedic surgeons at a tertiary referral children’s hospital. The outcome measures included patient demographics, method of reduction and short-term outcome. The mean follow-up was 6 weeks. Results: The mean age at injury was 7.3 years. These occurred predominantly in boys (78.3%) and were dorsal dislocations in 97.2%. Thirty-three presented acutely on the day of injury, while 3 within 1–2 weeks. Four patients needed open reduction with or without temporary stabilisation. Thirty-three had a closed reduction (under general anaesthesia-12, under ring block-5, under sedation-9 and without anaesthesia-7). All patients undergoing closed or open reduction under anaesthesia had 1–4 unsuccessful relocation attempts. Two of four open reductions revealed soft tissue interposition of volar plate and flexor pollicis longus. Post-reduction, the thumb was immobilised in a thumb spica or plaster for 2 to 3 weeks period. All gained good result. There were no infections, recurrent dislocation or gross stiffness. Conclusion: Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocations in children are mostly dorsal and managed non-operatively in majority with satisfactory outcome. Irreducible dislocations may need open reduction due to volar plate and flexor pollicis longus tendon interposition

We reviewed the records and radiographs of 381 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone silastic metacarpophalangeal joint replacement during the past 17 years. The number of implants was 1336 in the course of 404 operations. Implant failure was defined as either revision or fracture of the implant as seen on radiography. At 17 years, the survivorship was 63%, although on radiographs two-thirds of the implants were seen to be broken. Factors which improved survival included soft-tissue balancing, crossed intrinsic transfer and realignment of the wrist. Surgery to the thumb and proximal interphalangeal joint had a deleterious effect and the use of grommets did not protect the implant from fracture

Since November 2003 there have been 62 Metacarpophalangeal Joint (MCPJ) replacements carried out on 16 patients at Macclesfield District general hospital. 11 of the patients were female and 5 were male. The mean patient age at procedure was 64.9 years, with an age range of 28 to 80. Of the 62 MCPJ replacements carried out, 58 (93.5%) were as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, with only 4 (6.5%) as a result of osteo-arthritis. The primary objective of this study is to assess their outcomes to date. Data was collected retrospectively by means of case note review. Outcomes measured were patient rating of pain and function at post operative review and post operative complications. All operations were carried out by a single surgeon, using his standard operative technique, and all replacements used the Neuflex Finger Joint Implant System. All 16 patients attended for post operative review. At the time of discharge 13 patients rated their outcome as excellent to good, 1 patient was deceased and 2 patients are currently under follow up with no reported complications. Mean time to discharge was 19 months (2–68). Of the total 62 joints replaced, 10 revisions were carried out. Of these, 3 were as a result of dislocation, 6 were for subluxation and 1 as a result of failure of the prosthesis. There were 3 other post operative complications; 1 was for superficial wound infection, 1 resulting from a prominent prosthesis and 1 hypertrophic scar. Results showed that 81.3% of patients rated their range of movement as good to excellent and 87.5% reported an improvement in pain. Overall, 81% of patients rated their outcome at discharge as good to excellent. From the data available we conclude that the Neuflex system is an effective treatment method with a low complication rate

We report the use of a free tendon graft in 70 patients to repair lesions of the capsuloligamentous complex of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Of these 37 had a lesion of the ulnar collateral ligament, 18 of the radial collateral and 11 of the volar plate. Four patients had combined lesions. We outline our techniques and review 51 of the patients. Of those 47 (92%) were satisfied, and all but one had regained full stability. Pinch grip strength was normal in 48. About one-third of the patients had some loss of flexion/extension; this was seldom noticed by the patients and caused no significant disability. Free tendon graft reconstruction is indicated for severe fresh lesions, for old lesions with chronic disability and for lesions which have not responded to conservative management

The aim was to compare the medium term results of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthroplasty using three different types of silicone hinged implants. All rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing four finger MCPJ arthroplasty at Burwood Hospital have had standardised pre and post operative assessments for up to four years consisting of: measurement of MCPJ active arc of motion (AOM); finger ulnar drift (UD) and the Baltimore upper extremity function test (UEFT). All surgery was undertaken or directly supervised by one surgeon using a standardised technique followed by a dynamic and static splintage programme supervised by the same hand therapists. Implants – Swanson; 25 hands, 100 joints, 1989 to 1995 – Avanta; 27 hands, 108 joints, 1995 to 2000 – Neuflex; 11 hands, 44 joints, 1999 to 2003. Swanson – at two years the AOM changed from 46 – 80° to 15 – 51°; UD reduced from 33 to 4°and 66% had improved from partial and poor to functional UE categories. Avanta – the AOM changed from 51 – 79 to 15– 60; UD from 31 to 7° and 67% had improved to functional. Neuflex – the AOM changed from 42 – 68 to 17 – 63°; UD from 32 to 11 and 45% had improved to functional classification. From two to four years the UEFT for the Swanson and Avanta had significantly deteriorated. The medium term outcomes for the three implants were very similar. Neuflex use was discontinued in 2003 because of early recurrence of ulnar drift. The significant deterioration of hand function from two to four years is likely to be the effect of progressive rheumatoid disease as the AOM and UD remained unchanged

Objective

We explanted NeuFlex metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint prostheses to identify common features, such as position of fracture, and thus better understand the reasons for implant failure.

Purpose: Trauma to the radial collateral ligaments requires the same attention as trauma to the ulnar ligaments. Damage is uncommon due to the particular anatomic position, but nevertheless a distinct clinical entity.

Material and methods: We report a retrospective analysis of 14 patients, eight who underwent emergency surgery and six with trauma sequelae. Mean follow-up was 22 months and mean age 37 years. Among the recent lesions, the pain score (scale from 1 to 5) was 4.5) and the instability score (scale from 1 to 3) was 3. Palmar subdislocation was 4.8 mm and laxity was 16.7°. Among the old lesions (> 1 month) the corresponding data were pain 3.3, instability 2.5, palmar sub-dislocation 4.2 mm, laxity 19.1°. Two patients had signs of osteoarthritis. At surgery, the phalanx and metacarpus were equally injured. Associated lesions (capsule, short abductor) were present in 78% of the patient. The radial collateral ligaments and the soft tissue were reinserted or retightened in all cases. One patients required arthrodesis due to cartilage damage.

Results: Among the recent injuries, 71% reached a good subjective result: amplitude loss (flexion/extension) was 17°, force was 75% and laxity was 5°. Two patients had palmar subdisloction. Among the older lesions, a good subjective result was achieved in 66%: loss of amplitude case 32°, force was 69% and laxity was 8°. Palmar subdislocation was 2 mm on the average. We had two cases of persistent dysaesthesia.

Discussion: Radial injury appears to be falsely benign because the Stener lesion is not found on this side of the metacarpophalange. The importance of the injury in these traumas is related to the vulnerability of the dorsal region of the medial collateral ligament and is probably the cause of poor outcome after surgery for older lesions with palmar dislocation which is difficult to correct. We advocate emergency surgery for a wide range of indications. We always operate major radial laxity (> 35°) or laxity associated with palmar subdislocation. For other cases, we use the anterior forced drawer view to disclose potential associated dorsal injury.

Ten cases of complete rupture of the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal finger joints are reported. The nature of this injury, the pre-operative morbidity and the intra-operative pathology are analysed. In all cases surgery was performed with satisfactory results. Operation is indicated for joint stability, grip and pinch strength, pain control and early functional recovery.

Aims. The objective of this systematic review was to describe trapeziectomy outcomes and complications in the context of osteoarthritis of the base of the thumb after a five-year minimum follow-up. Methods. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide study design, and 267 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After exclusion criteria application, 22 studies were included, involving 728 patients and 823 trapeziectomies. Outcomes included pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological characteristics. Complications and revisions were recorded. Results. All the studies reported good results regarding pain and range of motion at the last follow-up of 8.3 years (5 to 22); the mean satisfaction rate was 91% (84% to 100%). It was difficult to assess the impact on metacarpophalangeal joint motion in extension with contrary results. The key pinch returned to its preoperative values, whereas tip pinch showed a modest improvement (+14%), with a mild improvement found in grip strength (+25%) at the last follow-up. The mean progressive trapezial collapse was 48% (0% to 85%) and was not correlated with pain, grip strength, or satisfaction. The most represented complications were linked to tendons or nerves affected during additional procedures to stabilize the joint (11.6%; n = 56). Mechanical complications included symptomatic scapho-M1 impingement (3.1%; n = 15/580), leading to nine surgical revisions out of 581 trapeziectomies. Meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity and limited data. Conclusion. After a minimum five-year follow-up, trapeziectomy achieved high patient satisfaction and pain relief. However, strength seemed to be deteriorating with detrimental consequences, but this did not correlate with trapezial collapse. The issues related to underestimating mechanical complications and varying degrees of success should be highlighted in the information given to patients. Evidence-based analyses should help the surgeon in their decision-making. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):141–149

Aims. The results of surgery for Dupuytren’s disease can be compromised by the potential for disease recurrence and loss of function. Selecting which patients will benefit from repeat surgery, when to operate, and what procedure to undertake requires judgement and an understanding of patient expectations and functional needs. We undertook this study to investigate patient outcomes and satisfaction following repeat limited fasciectomy for recurrent Dupuytren’s disease. Methods. We prospectively identified all patients presenting with recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease who were selected for surgical treatment with repeat limited fasciectomy surgery between January 2013 and February 2015. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and again at a minimum of five years postoperatively. We identified 43 patients who were carefully selected for repeat fasciectomy involving 54 fingers. Patients with severe or aggressive disease with extensive skin involvement were not included; in our practice, these patients are instead counselled and preferentially treated with dermofasciectomy. The primary outcome measured was change in the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score. Secondary outcomes were change in finger range of motion, flexion contracture, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) values, and overall satisfaction. Results. There was a significant improvement in MHQ scores, across all domains, with a mean overall score increase of 24 points (p < 0.001). The summed flexion contracture across the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) and the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) reduced from means of 72.0° (SD 15.9°) to 5.6° (SD 6.8°) (p < 0.001). A significant increase in maximal flexion was seen at the MCPJ (p < 0.001) but not the PIPJ (p = 0.550). The mean overall satisfaction score from the visual analogue scale was 8.9 (7.9 to 10.0). Complications were uncommon although five fingers showed reduced sensibility at final follow-up. Conclusion. Our study shows that repeat limited fasciectomy for selected patients presenting with recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease can be an effective and safe treatment resulting in excellent patient-reported outcomes and levels of satisfaction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):946–950

Aims. In the UK, fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture is generally performed under general or regional anaesthetic, with an arm tourniquet and in a hospital setting. We have changed our practice to use local anaesthetic with adrenaline, no arm tourniquet, and perform the surgery in a community setting. We present the outcome of a consecutive series of 30 patients. Methods. Prospective data were collected for 30 patients undergoing open fasciectomy on 36 digits (six having two digits affected), over a one-year period and under the care of two surgeons. In total, 10 ml to 20 ml volume of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was used. A standard postoperative rehabilitation regime was used. Preoperative health scores, goniometer measurements of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures, and Unité Rheumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores were measured pre- and postoperatively at six and 12 weeks. Results. The mean preoperative contractures were 35.3° (0° to 90°) at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), 32.5° (0° to 90°) at proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) (a combined deformity of 67.8°). The mean correction was 33.6° (0° to 90°) for the MCPJ and 18.2° (0° to 70°) for the PIPJ leading to a combined correction of 51.8°. There was a complete deformity correction in 21 fingers (59.5%) and partial correction in 14 digits (37.8%) with no correction in one finger. The mean residual deformities for the partial/uncorrected group were MCP 4.2° (0° to 30°), and PIP 26.1° (0° to 85°). For those achieving a full correction the mean preoperative contracture was less particularly at the PIP joint (15.45° (0° to 60°) vs 55.33° (0° to 90°)). Mean preoperative URAM scores were higher in the fully corrected group (17.4 (4 to 31) vs 14.0 (0 to 28)), but lower at three months post-surgery (0.5 (0 to 3) vs 4.40 (0 to 18)), with both groups showing improvements. Infections occurred in two patients (three digits) and both were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No other complications were noted. The estimated cost of a fasciectomy under local anaesthetic in the community was £184.82 per patient. The estimated hospital theatre costs for a fasciectomy was £1,146.62 under general anaesthetic (GA), and £1,085.30 under an axillary block. Conclusion. This study suggests that a fasciectomy performed under local anaesthetic with adrenaline and without an arm tourniquet and in a community setting is safe, and results in favourable outcomes regarding the degree of correction of contracture achieved, functional scores, and short-term complications. Local anaesthetic fasciectomy in a community setting achieves a saving of £961.80 for a GA and £900.48 for an axillary block per case. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1354–1358

Introduction: The metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is prone to frequent injury in the capsule and collateral ligaments, especially the ulnar collateral ligament. Delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment or progressive laxity of the ligament complex can lead to chronic instability of the MCP joint of the thumb. Various surgical repair procedures have been described. We present the surgical procedure consisting of a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft taken from the second tunnel of the flexor retinaculum of the carpus. Purpose: Our purpose is to present the experience of seven cases in which chronic instability of the thumb was treated using a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft. Materials and methods:. Type of study: Descriptive. Period: 2003–2004. Number of cases: 7 (4 women and 3 men) aged 23 to 65. Injury-to-surgery time more than one year. Results:. - We achieved stability of the MCP joint in all cases. - The metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint balance was not diminished. - The grasp force was sustained at over 80% of that of the healthy side. - Two elderly women were not employed; the other five returned to their previous jobs. Conclusions: Given the results obtained, we think this is an excellent method for deferred reconstruction of thumb instability and, although it involves considerable technical difficulty, we feel it is an option to bear in mind for this type of injury

Introduction. An educated public are becoming increasingly aware of percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. We believe that it has an important place in the management of this condition and have set up a dedicated one-stop clinic to perform this procedure. Methods. A prospective study of 61 patients with Dupuytren's, who have undergone PNF have been recruited so far. The study population includes 50 men and 11 women. The average age is 65. The senior author has operated on 81 fingers including 69 MCP joints, 62 PIP joints and 6 DIP joints. We recorded contractures prior to PNF and immediately following the procedure, as well as any complications. At follow up we recorded the Patient global impression of change (PGIC), DASH scores, degree of straightness of the operated finger and whether they would have the procedure again or recommend it. Results. For MCP joints the average pre treatment contracture was 43. o. and immediately post operatively it was 3. o. For PIP joints the average pre treatment contracture was 48. o. and immediately post operatively it was 17. o. For DIP joints the average pre treatment contracture was 41. o. and immediately post operatively it was 20. o. 8 patients had small skin tears and 2 found it too uncomfortable to continue. No nerve or tendon injuries. Mean follow up was 9 months (6–24). At follow up the average PGIC was 6 (very good) and the average DASH score was 30.9 (excellent). Subjectively the vast majority of fingers remained straight. All but 4 patients would have the procedure again and would recommend it to others. Discussion. This specialist clinic offers a very effective, safe procedure and our patients are highly satisfied withthe results. It is also cost effective for our Department