Complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb are a common injury, yet little is known about their current management in the UK. The objective of this study was to assess the way complete UCL ruptures are managed in the UK. We carried out a multicentre, survey-based cross-sectional study in 37 UK centres over a 16-month period from June 2022 to September 2023. The survey results were analyzed descriptively.Aims
Methods
In the UK, fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture is generally performed under general or regional anaesthetic, with an arm tourniquet and in a hospital setting. We have changed our practice to use local anaesthetic with adrenaline, no arm tourniquet, and perform the surgery in a community setting. We present the outcome of a consecutive series of 30 patients. Prospective data were collected for 30 patients undergoing open fasciectomy on 36 digits (six having two digits affected), over a one-year period and under the care of two surgeons. In total, 10 ml to 20 ml volume of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was used. A standard postoperative rehabilitation regime was used. Preoperative health scores, goniometer measurements of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures, and Unité Rheumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores were measured pre- and postoperatively at six and 12 weeks.Aims
Methods
Base of thumb osteoarthritis (BTOA) is a common age-related disease which has a significant negative impact upon quality of life. Our aim was to assess current UK practice in secondary care with regard to the nature of non-surgical treatments, the surgical procedures most commonly performed, and factors influencing the surgical decision-making process. Ten consecutive patients undergoing surgery for BTOA between March 2017 and May 2019 were prospectively identified in 15 UK centres. Demographic details, duration of symptoms, radiological grade, non-surgical management strategies, and surgery conducted were recorded. A supplementary consultant questionnaire consisting of four multiple-choice-questions (MCQ) based on hypothetical clinical scenarios was distributed.Aims
Methods
We present an economic evaluation using data
from the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT) to compare
the relative
In Canada, Dupuytren's contracture is managed
with partial fasciectomy or percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA).
Injectable collagenase will soon be available. The optimal management
of Dupuytren’s contracture is controversial and trade-offs exist
between the different methods. Using a cost-utility analysis approach,
our aim was to identify the most cost-effective form of treatment
for managing Dupuytren’s contracture it and the threshold at which
collagenase is cost-effective. We developed an expected-value decision
analysis model for Dupuytren’s contracture affecting a single finger,
comparing the cost-effectiveness of fasciectomy, aponeurotomy and collagenase
from a societal perspective. Cost-effectiveness, one-way sensitivity
and variability analyses were performed using standard thresholds
for cost effective treatment ($50 000 to $100 000/QALY gained).
Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy was the preferred strategy for
managing contractures affecting a single finger. The cost-effectiveness
of primary aponeurotomy improved when repeated to treat recurrence.
Fasciectomy was not cost-effective. Collagenase was cost-effective
relative to and preferred over aponeurotomy at $875 and $470 per
course of treatment, respectively. In summary, our model supports the trend towards non-surgical
interventions for managing Dupuytren’s contracture affecting a single
finger. Injectable collagenase will only be feasible in our publicly
funded healthcare system if it costs significantly less than current
United States pricing. Cite this article:
