50 years experience with Dupuytren's contracture in the Erlangen University Hospital – A retrospective analysis of 2919 operated hands from 1956 to 2006
2007

50 Years of Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment at Erlangen University Hospital

Sample size: 2919 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bernd Loos, Valerij Puschkin, Raymund E. Horch

Primary Institution: University Hospital Erlangen, Germany

Hypothesis

Is there a correlation between Dupuytren's disease and risk factors such as diabetes, alcohol consumption, and smoking?

Conclusion

The study found no significant correlation between Dupuytren's disease and diabetes, alcohol consumption, or smoking, although the prevalence of these risk factors was slightly higher in the patient cohort compared to the general population.

Supporting Evidence

  • 10.5% of patients had diabetes mellitus.
  • 3.7% of operations resulted in nerve injuries.
  • 12% of patients were operated for recurrent Dupuytren's disease.

Takeaway

Dupuytren's disease is a hand condition that affects many people, especially men, and this study looked at a lot of patients over 50 years to see if things like diabetes or drinking alcohol made it worse, but they didn't find a strong link.

Methodology

Retrospective analysis of patient records from 1956 to 2006, reviewing data from all surgically treated patients with Dupuytren's disease.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on medical records.

Limitations

Data from earlier years was less consistent, and the study may not account for all potential risk factors.

Participant Demographics

2579 male and 340 female patients, predominantly aged between 40 and 70 years.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p>0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-8-60

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication