Dupuytren’s Disease
Treatment of Dupuytren’s Disease
Release of finger contracture to improve extension
What is it?
Dupuytren’s disease results from thickening of the palmar fascia — a fibrous layer in the palm — and some ligaments of the palm and fingers. This thickening causes the fingers to contract in a flexed position and prevents full extension. It mainly affects men and most commonly involves the fourth and fifth fingers — the ring and little fingers.
In general, surgery is considered when the patient cannot place the entire palm and fingers flat on a table, leaving some areas unable to touch the surface.
Surgery involves selective removal of the thickened tissue and correction of joint problems that may develop when the contracture has been present for a long time. Severe joint changes may not be fully correctable.
In selected cases, and when the treatment is available and clinically appropriate, collagenase injection may allow the contracture to be released without surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about Dupuytren’s disease and its treatment.
What is Dupuytren’s disease?
It is a condition caused by thickening of the palmar fascia and some ligaments in the palm and fingers. This thickening can pull the fingers into a bent position and prevent full extension.
Who is most commonly affected and which fingers are usually involved?
The disease mainly affects men. The fourth and fifth fingers — the ring and little fingers — are most commonly involved.
Why do the fingers bend and become difficult to straighten fully?
The thickened fibres in the palm and fingers form a contracture that holds the fingers in flexion and makes full extension difficult or impossible.
When should surgery be considered?
In general, surgery is considered when the entire palm and fingers can no longer be placed flat on a table, leaving some areas unable to touch the surface.
What is the purpose of treating Dupuytren’s disease?
Treatment aims to release the finger contracture and improve the ability to extend the fingers.
What tissue is removed during surgery?
Surgery selectively removes the thickened fibres responsible for the contracture. Associated joint problems may also need correction.
Can surgery always fully straighten the fingers?
Not always. When the contracture is long-standing and severe joint changes are present, full correction may not be possible.
How long does the surgical treatment take?
Surgery may take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the number of fingers affected and the severity of the contracture.
What type of anaesthesia may be used?
A brachial plexus block with or without sedation, or general anaesthesia, may be used. Local anaesthesia may be considered in simple cases.
Where will the scars be located?
The scars follow the distribution of the thickened fibres that need to be removed.
Is an overnight hospital stay required?
No. The original page states that no overnight hospital stay is required.
When can I start using my hand again?
Hand use can generally resume about 10 to 12 days after surgery, provided strenuous activity is avoided.
When can I resume strenuous hand activities?
Strenuous hand activity should only resume from the fourth week.
What are the main risks of surgery?
The described risks are infection, bleeding, and injury to the sensory nerves or arteries of the fingers. Nerve or arterial injuries are more frequent in revision surgery.
Can the disease return or affect other fingers?
Yes. The disease may progress to previously healthy fingers and, in more severe cases, may affect previously treated fingers again.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
