Collagenase Topical: The Breakthrough in Treating Dupuytrens Contracture

April 23, 2023

Introduction to Dupuytren’s Contracture and current treatment options

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that affects the hand, causing one or more fingers to bend towards the palm. It is caused by thickening and tightening of the connective tissue, known as fascia, located in the palm. The condition can be painful and can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as grasping objects or placing the hand in a flat position.

Dupuytren’s contracture is most commonly found in men, particularly those of Northern European descent. It is also more common in people over the age of 50, and those with a family history of the condition.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture

  • Nodules: Small, hard lumps that form on the palm of the hand.
  • Cords: Tissue that forms between the nodules, causing the fingers to bend towards the palm.
  • Limited finger movement: As the cords and nodules form, it becomes harder to straighten the fingers.

Diagn

Dupuytren’s contracture is typically diagnosed by a physical examination of the hand. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to determine the severity of the condition.

Current treatment options

There are several treatment options available for Dupuytren’s contracture, including:

  • Observation: If the contracture is mild and not causing any significant limitations in daily activities, your doctor may recommend simply observing the condition and monitoring it for progression.
  • Splinting: A splint may be used to help prevent the finger from bending, keeping it in a straighter position.
  • Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve finger movement and function.
  • Steroid injections: Steroids may be injected into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Surgery: Surgery is typically considered when the contracture is severe and interferes with daily activities. The surgery may involve cutting the cord that is causing the finger to bend.

Each of these treatment options has its own set of risks and benefits, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.

As a new alternative treatment, Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) has been used recently in treating Dupuytren’s contracture by breaking down the collagen in the hand. We will be discussing this treatment option in detail in the next chapter.

How Collagenase Topical works to break down collagen in the hand

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) is a medication that is used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture by breaking down the collagen in the affected area of the hand. Collagen is a protein that provides strength and structure to the connective tissue in the body. In people with Dupuytren’s contracture, there is an overproduction of collagen in the affected area, which causes the thickening and tightening of the tissue.

CCH works by breaking down the collagen in the affected area, which leads to a reduction in the size of the nodules and cords that cause the finger to bend towards the palm. This allows for improved finger movement and function.

How is CCH administered?

CCH is administered as an injection directly into the affected tissue. The medication is injected into the cord that is causing the finger to bend. The injection causes the cord to break down, allowing the finger to straighten. It is also used to soften the cord in order to make it easier to be broken down by the surgeon.

What are the benefits of CCH?

  • Non-surgical option: CCH is a non-surgical treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture, which can be less invasive and have a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery.
  • Improved finger movement: By breaking down the collagen in the affected area, CCH allows for improved finger movement and function.
  • Reduced pain: CCH can also help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with Dupuytren’s contracture.

What are the potential side effects of CCH?

As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects associated with CCH. These may include:

  • Pain at the injection site: The injection can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Swelling: The affected area may become swollen after the injection.
  • Bruising: Bruising is a common side effect of the injection.
  • Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection site.

It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about CCH with your doctor before starting treatment.

In the next chapter, we will be discussing the clinical studies and effectiveness of Collagenase Topical in treating Dupuytren’s Contracture.

Clinical studies and effectiveness of Collagenase Topical in treating Dupuytren’s Contracture

Several clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) in treating Dupuytren’s contracture. These studies have shown that CCH is a safe and effective treatment option for the condition.

Results of clinical studies

  • A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery in 2009 found that CCH injections resulted in a significant improvement in the range of motion of the affected finger, with an average increase of 20 degrees of flexion.
  • A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery in 2010 found that CCH injections were associated with a significant reduction in the size of the cord and nodules in the hand.
  • A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2011 found that CCH injections were associated with a significant improvement in hand function and a decrease in pain.

What does this mean for patients?

These clinical studies suggest that CCH is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. CCH can provide a non-surgical option for patients, with the added benefit of improved finger movement and decreased pain.

It is important to note that while CCH has been shown to be effective in treating Dupuytren’s contracture, it is not a cure for the condition. The disease can recur and additional treatments may be necessary.

In the next chapter, we will be discussing the safety and side effects of Collagenase Topical treatment.

Safety and side effects of Collagenase Topical treatment

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) is considered a safe treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture, but as with any medication, there is a risk of side effects associated with its use. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about the treatment with your doctor before starting.

Common side effects

Common side effects of CCH include:

  • Pain at the injection site: The injection can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Swelling: The affected area may become swollen after the injection.
  • Bruising: Bruising is a common side effect of the injection.
  • Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection site.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of CCH are rare, but can occur. They include:

  • Tissue damage: In rare cases, the injection can cause damage to the surrounding tissue, leading to a loss of sensation or increased pain.
  • Allergic reactions: Although rare, an allergic reaction to the medication can occur. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

If you experience any side effects after receiving CCH, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

It is important to remember that the benefits of CCH may outweigh the potential risks and side effects. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.

In the next chapter, we will be discussing the comparison of Collagenase Topical to traditional surgical options for Dupuytren’s Contracture and future prospects.

Comparison of Collagenase Topical to traditional surgical options for Dupuytren’s Contracture and future prospects

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) is a non-surgical treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture that has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical studies. However, it is important to compare the benefits and risks of CCH with those of traditional surgical options for the condition.

Traditional surgical options

Traditional surgical options for Dupuytren’s contracture include:

  • Fasciectomy: A surgical procedure in which the affected tissue is removed. This can be done through an open incision or with a needle.
  • Fasciotomy: A surgical procedure in which the cord that is causing the finger to bend is cut.
  • Dermo-fasciectomy: A surgical procedure that involves removing the affected tissue and replacing it with skin from another area of the body.

Comparison of CCH and traditional surgical options

  • Invasiveness: CCH is a non-surgical treatment option and is less invasive than traditional surgical options for Dupuytren’s contracture.
  • Recovery time: CCH typically has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgical options.
  • Effectiveness: Both CCH and traditional surgical options have been shown to be effective in treating Dupuytren’s contracture, but the effectiveness may vary depending on the individual case and the skill of the surgeon.
  • Risks and complications: Both CCH and traditional surgical options have risks and complications associated with their use. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with your doctor before deciding on the best course of treatment.

Future prospects

Research on CCH and other non-surgical options for Dupuytren’s contracture is ongoing. It is likely that new and improved treatments will become available in the future. In addition, it is important to continue monitoring the long-term effectiveness and safety of CCH.

It is important to note that CCH is not a cure for Dupuytren’s contracture and the disease can recur and additional treatments may be necessary. Therefore, it is important to continue to monitor the condition and consult with your doctor on an ongoing basis.

Sources & references used in this article: