The Surgical Release of Dupuytren's Contracture Using Multiple Transverse Incisions

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition commonly encountered by hand surgeons, although itis rare in the Asian population. Various surgical procedures for Dupuytren’s contracture havebeen reported, and the outcomes vary according to the treatment modalities. We report thetreatment results of segmental fasciectomies with multiple transverse incisions for patientswith Dupuytren’s contracture. The cases of seven patients who underwent multiple segmentalfasciectomies with multiple transverse incisions for Dupuytren’s contracture from 2006 to 2011were reviewed retrospectively. Multiple transverse incisions to the severe contracture sites wereperformed initially, and additional incisions to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, and theproximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were performed if necessary. Segmental fasciectomiesby removing the fibromatous nodules or cords between the incision lines were performed andthe wound margins were approximated. The mean range of motion of the involved MCP jointsand PIP joints was fully recovered. During the follow-up periods, there was no evidence ofrecurrence or progression of disease. Multiple transverse incisions for Dupuytren’s contractureare technically challenging, and require a high skill level of hand surgeons. However, weachieved excellent correction of contractures with no associated complications. Therefore,segmental fasciectomies with multiple transverse incisions can be a good treatment option forDupuytren’s contracture.