Effectiveness and Safety of Dupuytren Contracture Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using the GRADE Approach

Background: There is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment for Dupuytren contracture. Prior meta-analyses have been limited by suboptimal data synthesis methodologies. We conducted an updated evidence review comparing the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF), collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), and limited fasciectomy (LF) using the GRADE approach. Methods: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes following PNF, CCH, and LF for Dupuytren contracture treatment. Outcomes of interest included residual contracture, recurrence rate, hand function, pain, global satisfaction, and adverse events. Time points included 3-months, 1-year, and 2-3 years. Results: Seventeen publications (1,010 patients) were included. High to moderate certainty evidence showed no clinically important difference in long-term contracture reduction (PNF vs. LF (mean difference (MD): 7.6°; 95% CI: 1.8°-13.4°), CCH vs. LF (MD: 4.8°; 95% CI: -1.3°-10.9°)). Moderate certainty evidence indicated that LF provides the lowest risk of long-term recurrence (PNF vs. LF (relative risk (RR): 12.3; 95% CI: 1.6-92.4), CCH vs. LF (RR: 9.5; 95% CI 1.2-73.4)), LF has a higher risk of serious adverse events than PNF (RR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.9), and CCH has a higher risk of overall adverse events than PNF (RR: 4.8; 95% CI 2.9-7.0). Conclusions: CCH, PNF, and LF are equally effective in long-term contracture reduction. However, LF yields more durable results at a higher risk of rare but serious adverse events. Current evidence suggests the use of PNF over CCH. However, ultimate treatment decisions should be tailored to individual patient preferences.