Evaluation of activity limitation and digital extension in Dupuytren's contracture three months after fasciectomy and hand therapy interventions.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Dupytren's contracture is thought to result in digital impairments and performance disabilities. No study to date has focused on how patients with Dupuytren's contracture experience limitations in daily activities and the results after surgery.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Describe which activities patients with Dupuytren's contracture defined as the most disabling, how they rated their activity limitations and determine the relationship between activity limitations and digital extension before and three months after surgery and postoperative hand therapy.

METHODS: Self-reported rating of activity limitations, performance, and measures of total digital extension.

RESULTS: The most disabling activities were with self-care (42%), though overall performance was significantly improved following surgery and postoperative hand therapy. The total digital extension was significantly improved 81 degrees and was positively related to performance.

CONCLUSIONS: The results provide new information about activities that patients with Dupuytren's contracture experience as being difficult to perform and describes positive changes in performance and range of motion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.