Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes, affecting 415 million adults globally, leads to collagen-related hand issues. Stenosing tenosynovitis, common in patients with diabetes, is often managed nonoperatively. Collagen-povidone, with safety demonstrated in rheumatoid arthritis, emerges as a potential intervention. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial conducted between January 2021 and January 2023 compared a povidone-collagen intervention with a placebo in adults aged 60 and older diagnosed with stenosing tenosynovitis. Participants were randomized into case (collagen-povidone) and control (physiological solution) groups. The study systematically assessed clinical outcomes such as the severity of stenosing tenosynovitis, diabetes, pain, functional capacity, and grip strength. RESULTS: The trial included 25 older adults, with both groups showing no significant age difference. Predominant symptoms included pain, limitation of joint movement, pressure pain, and increased volume. Evolution time in stenosing tenosynovitis showed no significant difference. Both groups displayed stage II pain preintervention. Postintervention, the case group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain. The Kapandji test and hand grip strength significantly improved in the case group compared with controls. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical intervention yielded noteworthy improvements in pain and hand functionality. This study underscored the potential benefits of collagen-povidone in hand complications associated with diabetes, emphasizing the necessity for increased attention and research in this area, given the limited existing literature, which mainly consists of controlled studies.