Night Orthosis After Surgical Correction of Dupuytren Contractures: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the role of night orthosis use after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, OTSeeker, and CENTRAL for articles published from inception of the databases to August 2015. Assessment was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers (O.A.S. and S.A.). Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa instrument.

Results: Seven studies met the standard for inclusion in this review. A total of 659 patients across these 7 studies were included in the analysis, with follow-up ranging from 3 to 72 months. None of the included studies assessed recurrence. The analysis revealed no significant improvement in range of motion of hand joints for patients who received a static night orthosis after Dupuytren surgery compared with patients without an orthosis. Similarly, no differences were found in patient-reported functional status across the 2 groups.

Conclusions: The current literature does not appear to support the use of static night orthosis in addition to hand therapy after surgical correction of Dupuytren contracture.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Keywords: Dupuytren contracture; Orthosis; fasciectomy; hand; hand therapy.