[Evaluation of influence of Dupuytryen contracture's operative treatment on increase of quality of hand's function basing on research in use PEM (Patient Evaluation Measure) questionnaire].

INTRODUCTION

Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive fibrosis of facial structures of the palmar surface of the hand, gradually leading to a reduction of its functions by impaired range of motion of fingers.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Clinical material consisted of 95 patients treated surgically in the Second Department of Surgery of the Jagiellonian University in 2006 - 2011 because of Dupuytren's contracture. Based on a study using PEM questionnaire (Patient Evaluation Measure) an assessment of the quality of life before and after surgery was made.

RESULTS

The average numeric value obtained in the PEM questionnaire before surgery was 30 points (SD ± 14.35). The postoperative controls were found of gradual decrease in the value and so after three months it was 22.39 points (SD ± 14.23), and after a year it reached the value of 18.12 points (SD ± 12.43). Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.001) were demonstrated between test results of PEM taken before and after 3 and 12 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been shown that Dupuytren's contracture has negative impact on quality of life but the quality of life improves after surgical treatment.