Dupuytrens Contracture Surgery

Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery

Surgery for Dupuytren’s Contracture is the most common treatment for patients who have lost the ability to grasp an object or perform other activities as a result of finger contracture. Surgery is used to improve the mobility of the affected fingers. Surgery may be the only option for patients to provide contracture relief. There is a possibility that over time, a second surgery is needed to treat the symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture since a cure isn’t available.

Types of Surgery

There a a few different types of open surgical procedures used to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture. In an open surgical procedure, a hand surgeon will make an incision in the hand and perform a Fasciotomy or a Fasciectomy.

Fasciotomy – During a Fasciotomy, a surgeon cuts connective tissue to eliminate the tension. This surgical approach may be used on patients with mild symptoms.

Fasciectomy – There two version of this surgical procedure: Partial Palmar Fasciectomy and Total Palmar Fasciectomy. A surgeon will only remove the abnormal tissue in your affected hand in a Partial Palmar Fasciectomy. A Partial Palmar Fasciectomy is the most common surgical approach to treat the symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture. In a Total Palmar Fasciectomy, a surgeon will remove all the fascia in an attempt to keep the disorder from recurring. A Total Palmar Fasciectomy is less common and used to treat chronic or advanced symptoms.

Needle Aponeurotomy – this minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to open surgery. A hand surgeon uses a small needle to divide and cut affected tissue in the palm and hand. This surgical approach leads to a faster recovery time than any of the aforementioned open surgical procedures. A Needle Aponeurotomy is done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately an hour to perform.

The use of a splint may be recommended for a short time after surgery, helping the area to heal properly. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve hand function, strength and reduce swelling.