The Effect of a Therapy Protocol for Increasing Correction of Severely Contracted Proximal Interphalangeal Joints Caused by Dupuytren Disease and Treated With Collagenase Injection

PurposeTo determine the effect of a specific orthotic intervention and therapy protocol on proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures of greater than 40° caused by Dupuytren disease and treated with collagenase injections.MethodsAll patients with PIP joints contracted at least 40° by Dupuytren disease were prospectively invited to participate in the study. Following standard collagenase injection and cord rupture by a hand surgeon, a certified hand therapist evaluated and treated each patient based on a defined treatment protocol that consisted of orthotic intervention to address residual PIP joint contracture. In addition, exercises were initiated emphasizing reverse blocking for PIP joint extension and distal interphalangeal joint flexion exercises with the PIP joint held in extension to lengthen a frequently shortened oblique retinacular ligament. Patients were assessed before injection, immediately after injection, and 1 and 4 weeks later. There were 22 fingers in 21 patients. The mean age at treatment was 63 years (range, 37–80 y).ResultsThe mean baseline passive PIP joint contracture was 56° (range, 40° to 80°). At cord rupture, the mean PIP joint contracture became 22° (range, 0° to 55°). One week after cord rupture and therapy, the contracture decreased further to a mean of 12° (range, 0° to 36°). By 4 weeks, the mean contracture was 7° (range, 0° to 35°). The differences in PIP joint contracture were statistically significant at all time points except when comparing the means at 1 week and 4 weeks. The results represent an 88% improvement of the PIP joint contracture.ConclusionsIn the short term, it appears that severe PIP joint contractures benefit from specific, postinjection orthotic intervention and targeted exercises.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic IV.