Nodular Shrinking in Stage 0 Dupuytren Disease: an Evidence-based Approach for Early Stage Treatment to Prevent Progression to Advanced Finger Contractures

What this Trial Is About

Dupuytren disease (DD) is a common hand condition that causes finger contractures which can limit hand function and may require surgery. Early stage DD involves nodules (Tubiana stage 0) that are usually painless but cause concern for patients worried about disease progression. Current treatments to prevent DD progression lack solid evidence, and non-invasive methods to measure early stage nodules are not yet validated. This research evaluates a non-invasive treatment and aims to improve measurement techniques for early DD nodules. The study compares two groups of patients with stage 0 DD nodules: one receiving a vitamin E cream called Remederm® and the other receiving a placebo cream (Vaseline). The creams are applied twice daily on the palm of the hand. Alongside treatment, ultrasound and MRI scans are used to monitor nodule changes. The study also introduces a simple ultrasound method performed by clinicians to measure nodule size reliably over time. Participants will be followed for one year, during which researchers will track changes in the largest nodule size using ultrasound. They will also assess pain, satisfaction, hand function, range of motion, and recurrence rates through questionnaires and clinical scoring. The study uses a double-blind design to ensure unbiased results. This approach aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin E cream as a preventive treatment and validate ultrasound as a measurement tool for early DD nodules.

Nodular Shrinking in Dupuytren Disease