Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery

Dupuytren's contracture surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring full mobility to the fingers of the hand, which have been restricted by pathological thickening and shortening of the palmar fascia. Thanks to precise surgical intervention, it is possible to significantly increase the functionality of the hand and improve the comfort of everyday life.

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Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that leads to the formation of nodules and fibrous cords in the palm’s subcutaneous tissue, limiting the mobility of the fingers — most often the ring and little finger. The condition can interfere with everyday activities such as gripping objects or shaking hands. Surgery involves removing the scarred fascia tissue, which helps restore proper hand function.

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Indications

Advanced finger contracture

Surgery is recommended when Dupuytren's contracture significantly limits finger mobility, especially when straightening. The problem often affects the ring finger and little finger, making everyday activities such as grasping objects difficult. In advanced cases, the fingers may be completely bent, requiring surgical intervention.

Ineffectiveness of conservative treatment

When conservative methods such as physiotherapy, massage, or collagenase injections are ineffective, surgical treatment is necessary. Surgery allows for the removal of the pathologically altered palmar fascia tissue responsible for the contracture. This restores the functionality of the hand.

Pain and discomfort in daily functioning

Although Dupuytren's contracture does not usually cause pain, in some cases the changes can cause discomfort or pain in the hand. Surgery is also indicated when the deformation of the hand prevents the performance of precise activities such as writing, eating, or manual work.

Progressive nature of the disease

Surgery is necessary when Dupuytren's contracture progresses rapidly, causing increasing limitation of hand mobility. Early surgical intervention prevents permanent deformities and complications such as stiffening of the finger joints. Faster treatment increases the chances of a full recovery.

Consultation and diagnostics

The doctor conducts a detailed examination of the hand and fingers, carefully assessing the severity of contracture and the range of joint mobility. They also analyze the tension of soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, and identify areas of pain and possible limitations in hand function. In more complex cases or when a detailed analysis is needed, imaging diagnostics such as ultrasound (USG) are used. USG allows for accurate imaging of diseased structures, such as fascial thickening, changes in soft tissues, or their impact on surrounding vessels and nerves. This information is crucial for planning the appropriate treatment, which may include both conservative methods, such as rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy, as well as surgical procedures in more advanced stages of the disease.

Surgical procedure

The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the changes and the preferences of the patient and anesthesiologist. The procedure involves the precise excision of bands of scarred fascial tissue that cause contracture and limit finger mobility. The aim of the procedure is to restore normal hand function and improve the patient's quality of life. In cases of advanced changes, where the skin over the contracture area is significantly damaged or tight, skin grafting may be necessary. This involves reconstructing the skin using grafts or moving local skin flaps, which ensures adequate coverage of the operated area and supports the healing process.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After surgery, patients often require rehabilitation, which plays a key role in restoring full hand function. Rehabilitation usually begins shortly after surgery and is tailored to individual needs and the extent of the surgery performed.

Frequently asked questions

Our patients before surgery

What does Dupuytren's contracture surgery involve?

Dupuytren's contracture surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to remove thickened and fibrous connective tissue from the hand that causes finger contracture. The surgeon makes an incision in the hand and precisely removes the diseased tissue, restoring normal finger mobility.

When is it worth deciding to have surgery?

How is the recovery after surgery going?

What are the benefits of Dupuytren's contracture surgery?