Versatility of percutaneous needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's disease across a spectrum of disease severity: A single-surgeon experience of 118 rays

Background: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) represents the only minimally invasive approach for treatment of Dupuytren's disease in Europe since withdrawal of collagenase from European markets. Though well-established, surgeon preference and uncertainty regarding safety and efficacy, results in limited provision in favour of open fasciectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of 74 patients who self-opted to receive PNF between 2017 and 2020 was conducted. Demographic data, complications and degree of release achieved were compared across three cohorts based on contracture severity as per Tubiana staging (TS): Stage 1, 0-45 degrees; Stage 2, 46-90 degrees; Stage 3, 91-130 degrees with.2 analysis. Results: One hundred and eighteen rays were treated amongst 74 patients (mean age, 68 years (R, 32-86), males: 74%) with mean follow-up 51 weeks (IQR 28-76 weeks) with no significant difference in baseline characteristics across cohorts. No cases of permanent sensory disturbance, flexor tendon rupture, arterial transection nor infection were observed. Neuropraxia was seen in six patients, resolving with mean recovery of 6 weeks. 86% (n = 166) of joints had satisfactory release (residual passive extension deficit (PED) <= 10 degrees) with full release in 67%. Full release was most likely in metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ; 93%) than distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ; 67%) or proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ; 45%; p< 0.0 001). Mean release was 54 degrees in MCPJ and 56 degrees in PIPJ. All TS1 patients achieved release with <= 10 degrees residual PED versus 75% of TS2 patients and 22% of TS3 patients (p<0.05), the latter of whom had a mean residual PED of 12 degrees Ninety-two percent of patients stated they would undergo PNF again if necessary, in preference to open fasciectomy. Conclusion: We find PNF to facilitate a safe, effective yet minimally invasive approach amongst patients of varying disease severity, across different age groups, with recurrent disease, associated comorbidities or concurrent anticoagulation therapy. Patients reported high satisfaction in preference to open procedures. We, therefore, intend to recommend PNF first-line to all patients regardless of disease severity. (c) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)