Severe contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint in Dupuytren's disease: results of a prospective trial of operative correction and dynamic extension splinting.

In a prospective study, 23 proximal interphalangeal joints that were severely contracted (> or = 45 degrees) as a result of Dupuytren's disease underwent operative correction and 6 months of dynamic extension splinting. Proximal interphalangeal joint extension was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 3-month intervals for 1 year and at 6-month intervals thereafter. Mean follow-up was 2 years (minimum, 1 year). Overall, at 2 years, 44% improvement in proximal interphalangeal joint extension was noted. Mean improvement of 59% in proximal interphalangeal joint extension was noted in patients who complied with the postoperative dynamic extension splinting program. Patients who were noncomplaint demonstrated a 25% improvement in proximal interphalangeal joint extension. The difference in values between patients who were compliant and those who were not was statistically significant. Other factors--severity of contracture, digit involved, and the necessity for capsular release--were not significantly related to outcome. This study suggests that soft tissue responds to continuous dynamic extension stresses and can be remodeled over time.