Dupuytren contracture causes frustrating issues that can make everyday tasks like grabbing objects or shaking hands into an impossible challenge. If your fingers won’t fully extend and your finger stiffness steadily worsens, it may be time to consider surgery to restore hand function.  

At the Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre, near Surrey Memorial Hospital, our elite team of board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in hand surgery, offering advanced treatments to improve hand function and quality of life.  

With extensive experience in reconstructive procedures, we tailor surgical approaches to meet each patient’s needs.  This month, our blog delves into surgery options for Dupuytren’s contracture. 

Types of Surgery for Dupuytren Contracture 

Surgical treatment for Dupuytren contracture aims to release or remove the fibrous bands causing finger contracture. The best approach depends on the contracture’s extent and how the symptoms affect your life. 

For some patients, needle aponeurotomy (NA) or limited fasciectomy may be an option. These techniques involve breaking up the thickened bands rather than removing them entirely. 

• Needle Aponeurotomy: A fine needle is inserted under the skin to puncture and weaken the tight bands, allowing the fingers to extend more freely. 

• Limited Fasciectomy: A small incision divides and releases the contracted tissue without full removal. 

These procedures offer quicker recovery versus open surgery but may not provide long-term correction, as the tissue can thicken again over time. 

Open Surgery for Severe Contracture 

When contractures are more advanced, open fasciectomy could be the right approach. This type of surgery involves longer incisions so your surgeon can access and remove part or all the affected tissue. 

• Partial Fasciectomy: Removes only the diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. 

• Total Fasciectomy: In cases of severe contracture, all affected tissue is removed to minimize recurrence. 

• Skin Grafting: If a significant amount of tissue is removed, your surgeon may need to perform a skin graft to cover the wound and promote healing. 

While open surgery provides more lasting results than tissue-release procedures, unfortunately, Dupuytren’s contracture can still come back. So, you could need surgery again one day. 

Recovery After Surgery

Post-surgical recovery depends on the procedure performed, but typically, recovery features temporary swelling and stiffness, which improves with therapy. You’ll do special hand exercises to help reclaim strength and flexibility.  

Recovery from minimally invasive procedures may take a week or two. Open surgery recovery generally takes two or three weeks for wound healing and around two months to regain hand function.  

Our team evaluates you closely during follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications. 

Most patients experience significant improvement in hand function, allowing them to return to daily activities with less restrictions. 

Contact Us

If Dupuytren contracture makes it difficult to use your hand, our experienced surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre can help. Call 604-589-6021 to book your consultation and explore your treatment options with one of our expert surgeons. 

OUR FRASER VALLEY SERVICE AREAS INCLUDE SURREY, LANGLEY, ABBOTSFORD, CHILLIWACK, COQUITLAM, PORT MOODY, PORT COQUITLAM, PITT MEADOWS AND MISSION, BC