Needle Aponeurotomy Versus Collagenase Injections for Dupuytren Disease: A Review of the Literature and Survey of Patient-Reported Satisfaction, Recurrence, and Complications After Needle Aponeurotomy

Abstract

Needle aponeurotomy (NA) and collagenase injections (CI) for treatment of Dupuytren disease are practical and clinically efficient techniques. The purpose of this report is to review the comparative literature and present postprocedure survey data on NA. We reviewed the current literature on treatment of Dupuytren disease with NA and report on direct and indirect comparisons of the 2 treatment options. We also retrospectively identified patients treated with NA for Dupuytren disease, reviewed the demographic details of treatment in the medical records, and solicited patients’ feedback on satisfaction, recurrence, and complications using a phone survey. The results of the survey are discussed in the context of current literature. A total of 250 completed the survey an average of 34 months after treatment. Of those, 178 (71%) were very satisfied or satisfied, 187 (75%) reported some recurrence, and 5% reported a complication. Patients less than 2 years from the procedure were statistically significantly more likely to be satisfied with the procedure and more likely to have it again, and reported less recurrence of disease. Current literature does not clearly suggest a best treatment option for Dupuytren disease. Recent analyses suggest that there is a cost difference, with NA presenting as a more cost-effective option. Survey results demonstrated a low complication rate although the rate of recurrence was high, which was consistent with other studies. Needle aponeurotomy is safe and effective, and results in high patient satisfaction despite a high recurrence rate. Key words: complications, Dupuytren disease, hand surgery, needle aponeurotomy, patient-reported satisfaction, recurrence