Dupuytren's Disease and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (DupuyShock-2010) - a Randomized Trial

Dupuytren's disease is a progressive disease due to unknown causal agents or genetics.

Dupuytren's disease contains nodules and cords in the fascia as the epicenter of disease progression. Nodules contain whorls of collagen bundles and are densely packed with contractile fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. These highly contractile cells are linked to the fascia matrix through transmembrane integrin receptors. The cytoplasmic tail domains of the alpha beta integrin receptors provide a structural link between extracellular matrix and the actomyosin cytoskeleton.

Complications of surgical partial or total aponeurectomy in Dupuytren's disease are reported in up to 10% of cases . Often, surgical complications lead to compromised flexion limiting grasping function of the involved hand . A recent 20-year-review of the literature included 41 clinical trials with complication rates reported from 3.6%to 39.1% . 16% major complications occurred with 3% digital nerve injuries, digital artery injuries in 2%, infections in 2%, and complex regional pain syndrome in 6%. Besides selective or total aponeurectomy, soft-tissue distraction has been suggested using either pneumatic devices or external fixateur .

Non-invasive options include percutaneous fasciotomy or collagenase injection. The latter has been tested in a randomized-controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine with 308 patients enrolled (NCT00528606) . Collagenase clostridium histolyticum significantly reduced contractures and improved the range of motion in joints affected by advanced Dupuytren's disease. In the long-term the cords at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint appear to more recurrent than at the metacarpophalangeal joint after collagenase injection with an eight year follow-up .

In early stage Dupuytren's contracture, radiotherapy has been suggested to limit disease progression. A cohort study of 135 patients with 208 hands involved received orthovoltage radiotherapy with a total dose of 30Gray separated by a six to eight week interval . After a follow-up of 13 years nodules and cords remained stable in 59%, improved in 10% and progressed in 31%.

Beside Dupuytren's disease, there are a number of further less common fibromatosis, such as knuckle pads, M. Ledderhose , of the plantar fascia and peyronie disease at the penis. The latter has been treated by extracorporeal shockwave therapy. A randomized-controlled trial using 2000 focused shock waves reduced pain significantly and improved erectile function and quality of life . About half of the patients in one series of 44 patients had a significant reduction in angulation following shockwave therapy .