Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with Dupuytren's Disease (DD) palmar nodules in an attempt to reduce the contracture, alleviate the pain (if any), increase the range of motion and quality of life, and delay a probable surgery in the long term. METHODS: Patients with DD who presented to our hand surgery clinic and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The treatment was performed by the same physician using the ESWT device once a week for six weeks. The patients were evaluated with the VAS score, Quick-DASH questionnaire, and MAYO wrist score, and their grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. RESULTS: The mean age of the 23 patients included in the study was 51 years. There was a significant improvement in the second measurement of VAS and DASH scores compared with the preoperative values. The increase in the second and final follow-up measurements of the MAYO score and grip strength results compared with the preoperative values was found significant. The table-top test results turned negative in 16 patients. CONCLUSION: We can suggest that ESWT in the early term can be preferred over costly injections and surgical intervention options as it increases the quality of life and delays the recurrence of contractures.