BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease as a benign fibroproliferative disease leads to 
hyperplasia of the collagen fibers of the fascia of the palm, which can result 
in severe impairment of the functionality of the hand.
OBJECTIVES: Examination of the significance of non-operative treatment of 
Dupuytren's disease with injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) 
METHODS: Observation of 120 patients treated with injectable collagenase. 
Documentation of the range of motion before the intervention, 12 months after 
the intervention, and documentation of any adverse events.
RESULTS: All in all, 120 patients were treated (107 male, 13 female) (mean age 
62 years, range 30-84 years). In 49% the little finger, in 44% the ring finger, 
in 4% the middle finger, and in 3% the index finger were treated. Full release 
was accomplished in 71%, partial release in 26%, and no change in 3% of the 
patients. The median contracture before the treatment was 37° for the 
metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint (range 25-100°) and 51° for the proximal 
interphalangeal (PIP) joint (range 30-97°). After 12 months, the mean 
contracture for the MP joint was 9° (range 0-25°) and 21° (range 10-36°) or the 
PIP joint. Adverse events occurred in 96% of patients within 3 months after 
treatment. No tendon ruptures, anaphylactic reactions, nerve, or ligament 
injuries were observed.