Visual Estimation of Dupuytren's Flexion Contractures-A Prospective Comparative Trial.

Purpose: Surgeons and resident physicians in a clinic setting often visually estimate Dupuytren flexion contractures of the hand to follow disease progression and decide on management. No previous study has compared visual estimates with a standardized instrument to ensure measurement reliability.

Methods: Consecutive patients consulted for Dupuytren flexion contractures of the hand had individual joint contractures estimated in degrees (°) by both a resident physician and staff surgeon. Estimates were compared with goniometer measurements to generate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and residents and surgeons were compared based on their accuracy.

Results: Twenty-eight patients enrolled in this study, which provided a total of 80 hand joints for analysis. Resident physicians achieved an ICC of 0.42, which indicates poor reliability. The hand surgeon achieved an ICC of 0.86, which indicates high reliability. The surgeon also had better accuracy than the residents.

Conclusion: Hand surgeons should be mindful of the limitations of visual estimates of Dupuytren flexion contractures, particularly when conducted by trainees. Joint angle measurements taken for the purposes of research should be done with a goniometer at minimum.