Percutaneous Fasciotomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Abstract

Percutaneous fasciotomy has long been established as a treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. There have been no studies to date of the long-term results of this procedure. We followed up a group of 82 patients 10 years after operation in 1981 and 1982. Thirty-four per cent had had no further surgery. The mean time to further surgery in the rest was 60.4 months. Splitting of the palmar skin which healed with regular dressings occurred in three cases. No other complications were noted. Percutaneous fasciotomy can produce lasting improvement in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture and still has an important role in their overall management.