Evaluation of Activity Limitation and Digital Extension in Dupuytren's Contracture Three Months after Fasciectomy and Hand Therapy Interventions
published online 05 November 2008.
Abstract
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
Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
Department of Social and Welfare studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköpings University, Norrköping, Sweden
Correspondence and reprint requests to C. Engstrand, BSc OT, Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
ABSTRACT