Preoperative Serial Casting, Education, and Therapy for Dupuytren’s
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Preoperative Serial Casting, Stretching, and Massage Therapy Package for Dupuytren's Patients with Severe Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Contracture: A Feasibility Study Protocol for a Randomised Trial
IRAS ID
349520
Contact name
Tahra Babiker-Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a common, progressively disabling condition affecting over 2 million people in the UK, characterized by fibrosis of the palmar fascia, leading to flexion contractures in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. This fibrosis limits finger extension and impairs hand function. DD is more prevalent in men, with risk factors including ageing, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes, and family history. While surgery is the most common treatment, PIP joint contractures are particularly challenging to manage due to the involvement of multiple soft tissue structures, often necessitating multi-staged procedures. The invasiveness of these surgeries can lead to scarring and loss of correction, making alternative preoperative interventions essential.
This feasibility study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative casting, stretching, and massage therapy to improve surgical outcomes for severe PIP joint contractures in patients undergoing Dupuytren’s fasciectomy. The intervention aims to achieve soft-tissue distraction and tissue elongation prior to surgery. The study will assess eligibility criteria, appropriate outcome measures, and participant completion rates, laying the foundation for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) to establish the efficacy of these interventions in enhancing postoperative outcomes.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0104
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion