Dupuytren's Contracture

Researchers are evaluating a new shape memory alloy-based orthosis designed to help patients with stiffness in the finger proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This device aims to improve joint stiffness and secondarily enhance the ability to perform daily activities. The study compares the new orthosis against a conventional stretching program in adults with PIP joint contracture who are beyond the acute phase of their hand condition. Participants are divided into two groups. One group uses the shape memory alloy-based orthosis during a home program involving 30-minute training sessions, 3-4 times daily, every day for 8 weeks. The other group follows a conventional stretching program with similar frequency and duration. The orthosis provides continuous force to the stiff joint using shape memory alloy as an elastic component, while the stretching program focuses on active and passive joint exercises. Participants will be evaluated three times: before starting treatment, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after baseline. Assessments include measuring the range of motion and hand function using tests like the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, motion capture analysis, and a questionnaire on arm, shoulder, and hand disability. Usability of the orthosis will also be assessed after 8 weeks. The study duration for each participant is 8 weeks with ongoing monitoring of joint movement and hand performance.

Researchers are evaluating post-operative management approaches after a modified Lapidus arthrodesis surgery for hallux valgus, with or without additional surgeries such as Akin or Weil/Hohmann procedures. The study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of immediate full weight-bearing versus partial weight-bearing (10-15 kg) during rehabilitation. This randomized controlled trial explores a new rehabilitation method following foot surgery to improve recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups after surgery: one group will follow partial weight-bearing with a specialized VACOPASO shoe and use crutches along with antithrombotic medication for 6 weeks, while the other group will have immediate complete weight-bearing with the same shoe and medication for the same period. The surgical operation follows standard clinical practices for hallux valgus correction. During the study, healing progress will be monitored through standard X-rays at 6, 12, and 24 weeks to check bone healing, hardware fixation, and fracture alignment. Pain will be measured using a Visual Analogue Scale at the day of surgery and at follow-up visits. Quality of life and functional recovery will be assessed through established foot and ankle scoring systems at multiple time points. The main outcome is the subjective functional recovery measured by the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score at 6 weeks post-surgery.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of a student-led multimodal prehabilitation service called BoneFit for people preparing for total hip or knee replacement surgery. The study aims to improve physical and mental health, quality of life, and reduce hospital stay length, complications, and readmission rates for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery in the Hull region. This pilot feasibility study will compare BoneFit to usual care, as no prehabilitation service is currently offered locally. Participants in the BoneFit intervention group will receive a personalized care plan that includes exercise, nutrition, and psychological support tailored to their needs during the 8 weeks before surgery. A control group will receive usual care without intervention. The groups will be compared to assess the impact of the prehabilitation service. During the study, participants will undergo baseline tests and will be invited to repeat these assessments 3 months after surgery. Researchers will monitor recruitment, attendance, and acceptability over several years. They will also measure physical fitness, hospital length of stay, readmission rates, overall quality of life, and specific pain and function related to the knee or hip. The study will last up to 3 years, with ongoing follow-up assessments to evaluate outcomes.

This observational study is focused on collecting data about the performance of CERAMENT BONE VOID FILLER, a synthetic biphasic bone graft substitute, when used in typical medical practice for orthopedic disorders. The study is sponsored by BONESUPPORT AB and aims to gather information on device performance and patient outcomes to understand its use in real-world settings. Participants will receive CERAMENT BVF as part of their treatment at approved healthcare centers following the product's instructions for use. Data collection includes monitoring unexpected device performance, complaints, adverse events, and serious adverse events during surgery and continuing up to 18 months after treatment. Radiological assessments, pain scores, and quality of life evaluations will be conducted at intervals throughout the study. During the study, participants will undergo scheduled reviews at 6, 12, and 18 months to assess device-related outcomes and healing progress using imaging and questionnaires. Researchers will track safety events and gather patient-reported outcomes such as pain levels and quality of life. Participation involves following up with healthcare providers over this period to provide ongoing data for comprehensive evaluation of the device's performance.

This research evaluates the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who have undergone total ankle replacement for advanced ankle osteoarthritis. The study aims to assess results achieved by surgeons who did not originally design the implant, addressing potential bias seen in prior studies where designers performed the surgeries. The goal is to compare these outcomes with those of ankle arthrodesis, considering improvements in surgical techniques and ankle biomechanics knowledge. Participants in the study have received total ankle arthroplasty using a third-generation ankle replacement device. Clinical assessments are performed before and after surgery, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. These include the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) score, the Foot Function Index, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Weightbearing ankle X-rays are taken before surgery and at the final follow-up, with independent review by an orthopedic surgeon. During the study, participants complete scheduled follow-up evaluations, questionnaires, and radiographic exams. Researchers measure implant survivorship over 10 years along with various ankle joint angles and functional scores. The study monitors clinical progress, radiological changes, and foot function to evaluate long-term outcomes of the ankle replacement procedure.

Researchers are evaluating the best timing for rehabilitation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) in patients aged 50 to 85 who have suffered proximal humerus fractures. This study aims to determine whether starting physical therapy early or delaying it affects shoulder motion, patient-reported outcomes, and postoperative complications. The goal is to improve recovery protocols for this patient group, as current practices vary widely. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one begins physical therapy two weeks after surgery (early rehabilitation), and the other starts six weeks after surgery (delayed rehabilitation). Both groups will follow their assigned rehabilitation schedule postoperatively. The study includes in-person clinic visits and radiographic evaluations at six weeks, three months, and six months after surgery to monitor progress and safety. Throughout the study, participants will undergo range of motion measurements using a goniometer and complete patient-reported outcome assessments such as the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score and Constant score. Researchers will also review medical charts and radiographs to track any postoperative complications. The total follow-up period spans six months, allowing for detailed monitoring of recovery and functional outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of a podcast about constipation on patients undergoing planned orthopedic surgeries such as knee, hip, shoulder, and back operations. This randomized controlled trial aims to see if the podcast can reduce the number of patients experiencing constipation before and after surgery. The study includes adults 18 years or older who can use digital devices and do not have certain gastrointestinal conditions or severe hearing or cognitive impairments. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Both groups receive standard preoperative information, but the intervention group also gets access to a 30-minute podcast featuring expert explanations and patient experiences related to constipation around surgery. The podcast is accessible throughout the study period. Data will be collected through online questionnaires at four points: after the preoperative consultation, shortly before surgery, one week after surgery, and four weeks after surgery. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires assessing constipation using the ROME IV Diagnostic Criteria and quality of life related to constipation via the PAC-QOL tool. Additional information will be gathered about laxative use, educational and living situations, and healthcare contacts from patient records. The researchers will monitor hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and general practitioner contacts up to six months after surgery to evaluate the overall impact. Participation lasts from pre-surgery consultation through four weeks after surgery, with some data extending to six months post-surgery.

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition causing progressive finger stiffness due to fibrosis in the palm and fingers. This trial investigates whether using a night splint after a minimally invasive procedure called percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) reduces the chance of the contracture coming back. The study compares two groups of patients receiving PNF treatment to see if night splinting adds benefit beyond physical therapy alone. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive usual care including physical therapy and night splinting for three months after PNF, while the other group will have physical therapy without night splinting. Those in the no splint group will have an additional check three weeks after PNF to monitor finger extension. Follow-up visits occur at 2 weeks, then 3, 12, and 36 months after treatment. During the study, patients will undergo physical exams assessing finger motion, sensation, and grip strength. They will also complete questionnaires about hand function, pain, and quality of life at several timepoints including the day of procedure and months 3, 12, and 36. The main outcome measured is reduction in finger joint contracture at 1 year. Researchers will also evaluate changes in finger flexion, grip strength, pain levels, disability, sensation, and medical history over the follow-up period.

Researchers are evaluating whether percutaneous needle aponeurotomy is not less effective than open surgery with aponeurectomy for treating flexion contracture caused by Dupuytren's disease. This condition involves fibrosis of the palmar aponeurosis, leading to disabling joint contractures in the fingers. The study aims to determine if the minimally invasive needle procedure can reduce the need for open surgery while maintaining suitable safety and efficacy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, which involves cutting the fibrotic cord with a needle under local anesthesia in one to three outpatient sessions, or open surgery with excision of the fibrotic tissue performed under regional anesthesia during a short hospital stay. Postoperative care including analgesics, splints, nursing, and physiotherapy is provided after surgery. Treatment completion is defined as the last needle session or stitch removal after surgery. Participants will be followed up at 1 week, 1, 3, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. Assessments include measuring joint contractures, range of motion, functional limitation questionnaires, patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrence. Efficacy assessments are conducted in a blinded manner, while complications are evaluated openly. The primary outcome is the degree of metacarpophalangeal joint contracture during passive extension at 3 months post-treatment.

This research aims to develop and evaluate a specialized rehabilitation exercise program for adults with foot problems and tight calf muscles. It compares patients who choose minimally invasive ultrasound-guided surgery combined with rehabilitation to those who follow the rehabilitation program alone. The study focuses on differences in recovery of ankle movement and the return to sports and daily activities. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will undergo a 12-week rehabilitation exercise program three times a week, while the other group will have minimally invasive gastrocnemius muscle surgery followed by a more intensive rehabilitation regimen three times daily for four weeks. Both groups receive the same rehabilitation protocol, with the surgical group starting exercises after surgery. Throughout the study, participants will have assessments before treatment, at two months, and six months to measure ankle movement, foot posture, pressure on the foot, pain, and function. Researchers will use gait analysis and baropodometric exams to evaluate progress. The study will compare outcomes between groups to understand the added impact of surgery combined with rehabilitation. The total study duration includes initial assessments and follow-ups over six months.