Dupuytren’s disease is a condition where scar-like tissue forms just beneath the skin of your fingers and the palm of your hand. Over time, this fibrous tissue can contract and force one or more fingers to curl up into the palm. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture.
Dupuytren's fasciectomy can range from simply cutting a fibrous band in the palm of your hand to removing all of the affected skin and replacing it with skin grafts. Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. After the operation, you should be able to make better use of your hand and straighten the affected fingers more.
You should be able to go home the same day. Your surgeon may arrange for you to have a splint to wear on your hand at night, and some physiotherapy to help get your fingers moving again. It is also important to exercise your shoulder and elbow gently to prevent stiffness.
The consultant may be able to perform a needle aponeurotomy (inserting a small needle under the skin to release the tight cords). However, there is a higher risk of the contracture coming back. Collagenase can be injected into the bands of tissue but this is a new treatment and it is unclear how effective it is. The most effective treatment is surgery.
General complications
Specific complications
Horder Healthcare offers highly specialist treatments for upper limb conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.