Night Orthosis After Surgical Correction of Dupuytren Contractures: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of night orthosis use after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, OTSeeker, and CENTRAL for articles published from inception of the databases to August 2015. Assessment was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers (O.A.S. and S.A.). Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa instrument.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the standard for inclusion in this review. A total of 659 patients across these 7 studies were included in the analysis, with follow-up ranging from 3 to 72 months. None of the included studies assessed recurrence. The analysis revealed no significant improvement in range of motion of hand joints for patients who received a static night orthosis after Dupuytren surgery compared with patients without an orthosis. Similarly, no differences were found in patient-reported functional status across the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature does not appear to support the use of static night orthosis in addition to hand therapy after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.