A Retrospective Review of Cold Intolerance Following Corrective Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease

Abstract

Cold intolerance is a cause of significant morbidity following trauma to the upper limb and hand, yet very little research has been undertaken to investigate the phenomenon following elective hand surgery. This retrospective study, incorporating a postal questionnaire and case note review, investigates incidence and risk factors of cold intolerance in a series of patients who underwent corrective surgery for Dupuytren's disease. The incidence of cold intolerance following surgery for Dupuytren's disease was 44%, and no association was found between the development of cold intolerance and either age, gender, smoking status or employment status. Further research investigating cold intolerance following surgery for Dupuytren's disease and other elective hand surgery is required. The present study demonstrates that cold intolerance is a significant complication, not only following traumatic hand injury, but also following elective surgery for Dupuytren's disease.