The effect of splinting after Dupuytren\'s contracture surgery: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Flexion contracture in fingers of hands is a complication of Dupuytren's contracture and cannot be stopped by the progressive course. The aim of this study was to review the effect of splinting in corrective of contracture after Dupuytren's contracture surgery. Methods: To carry out this research, a kind of systematic evidence-based review process (Duffy 2005) was used. For data gathering were used electronic database and Persian and English languages specific journals between 1990 to January of 2019. The key words were used which related to examined the effect various splinting after Dupuytren's contracture surgery. Results: After data gathering, the 26 article about Dupuytren's contracture were found that after checking and deep reviewing of those articles the 17 articles removed from study and 9 articles included in study for reviewing. The results of review article based on using splint in Dupuytren's contracture after surgery classifies into 6 categories: static splint, dynamic splint, day splint, night splint, time duration of splinting and prescribed time of splinting. Conclusions: Splint alone have been ineffective in reducing the contracture. Static splint and hand therapy (exercise) together most effective way for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Occasional and irregular use of splint also has no effect on pain relief and the reduction of contracture. The pressure and force of splint will be gradually increased, and the splint should be used at least for 3 months, too.