A surgeon discussing Dupuytren's Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Dupuytren's Surgery

Restore finger extension and hand function with Dupuytren's Surgery. When contracted fingers limit your daily activities, fasciectomy removes the thickened tissue, allowing your fingers to straighten.

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Surgical Treatment for Finger Contracture

Dupuytren's Surgery (fasciectomy) treats Dupuytren's contracture when the condition significantly affects hand function. The procedure removes the thickened, cord-like tissue (palmar fascia) that is pulling the fingers into a bent position, allowing the fingers to extend again.

Surgery is typically recommended when the contracture reaches 30 degrees or more, or when you can no longer place your palm flat on a table. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, fasciectomy provides the most complete removal of diseased tissue.

At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our hand surgeons evaluate your contracture and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether observation, injection, or surgery.

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Who Needs Dupuytren's Surgery?

  • Patients with finger contracture of 30 degrees or more at the MP or PIP joint
  • Individuals who cannot place their palm flat on a table (positive tabletop test)
  • Those whose contracture interferes with daily activities (grasping, shaking hands, putting on gloves)
  • Patients with rapidly progressing disease affecting function
  • Individuals who have recurrent contracture after previous treatment (injection or needle procedure)
  • Those preferring surgical treatment for more complete tissue removal

What Conditions does Dupuytren's Surgery Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

Carpal Tunnel SyndromeArthritisRheumatoid ArthritisTennis ElbowTrigger FingerCubital Tunnel Syndrome
Surgeon performing fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture

The Dupuytren's Surgery Procedure

  1. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under regional or general anesthesia
  2. A zigzag or straight incision is made in the palm and/or finger
  3. The thickened, diseased palmar fascia is carefully dissected from nerves and blood vessels
  4. All contracted cords are excised (removed) to release the finger
  5. The neurovascular bundles are protected throughout the procedure
  6. The wound may be closed primarily or left partially open to heal (open palm technique)
  7. A bulky dressing and splint are applied to protect the hand

Benefits of Dupuytren's Surgery

  • Most complete removal of diseased palmar fascia tissue
  • Restores finger extension for improved hand function
  • Allows return to activities requiring a flat hand (typing, wearing gloves, grasping)
  • Direct visualization allows protection of nerves and blood vessels
  • Lower recurrence rate compared to needle procedures in some studies

Recovery from Dupuytren's Surgery

Recovery Timeline: 4-12 Weeks for Full Recovery

Recovery from Dupuytren's surgery requires dedicated hand therapy:

Week 1: Bulky dressing in place. Elevation to reduce swelling. Finger motion begins as directed.

Weeks 2-4: Sutures removed. Night splinting to maintain finger extension. Hand therapy begins for scar management and motion.

Weeks 4-8: Progressive strengthening. Continued splinting at night. Scar massage to prevent adhesions.

Weeks 8-12: Return to most activities. Final motion and strength achieved. Night splinting may continue for several months to prevent recurrence.

Note: Dupuytren's disease can recur over time, even after successful surgery.

Related Hand, Wrist & Elbow Treatments

Explore other hand, wrist & elbow treatment options:

Carpal Tunnel Release SurgeryPercutaneous Carpal Tunnel ReleaseTrigger Finger ReleaseCubital Tunnel SurgeryTennis Elbow SurgeryGolfer's Elbow SurgeryElbow ArthroscopyWrist Arthroscopy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fasciectomy and needle aponeurotomy?

Fasciectomy surgically removes the thickened tissue for more complete treatment. Needle aponeurotomy uses a needle to divide the cord in the office with faster recovery but higher recurrence rates. Your surgeon will recommend the best option.

Will Dupuytren's contracture come back after surgery?

Recurrence is possible with any Dupuytren's treatment. Rates vary from 20-50% depending on the procedure, severity, and patient factors. Surgery (fasciectomy) generally has lower recurrence than needle procedures.

How long is recovery from Dupuytren's surgery?

Recovery takes 4-12 weeks depending on severity. Hand therapy is essential for scar management and maintaining finger extension. Night splinting may continue for several months.

Will I need hand therapy after Dupuytren's surgery?

Yes, hand therapy is critical for optimal outcomes. Therapy includes wound care, scar massage, exercises to maintain finger extension, and night splinting. Therapy typically continues for 2-3 months.

When should Dupuytren's contracture be treated surgically?

Surgery is typically recommended when contracture reaches 30 degrees or more, or when you cannot place your palm flat on a table. Treating before severe contracture improves outcomes and recovery.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Fingers bent and can't straighten? Schedule a consultation with our hand specialists at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics. We offer same-day and next-day appointments to evaluate your Dupuytren's contracture and discuss treatment options.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer dupuytren's surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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