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 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 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 by a hand specialist 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.