What is Dupuytren’s Disease?

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition affecting the fascia beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Over time, thickened cords can develop, causing one or more fingers to progressively bend into the palm.

The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected.

The condition often progresses slowly and may initially present as:

• lumps or nodules in the palm

• thickened cords beneath the skin

• difficulty placing the hand flat on a table

• progressive finger contracture

When Should You Seek Assessment?

Assessment may be appropriate when:

• finger contracture is progressing

• difficulty placing the hand flat develops

• grip and hand function become affected

• daily activities become limited

Not all patients require surgery, and treatment depends on disease severity, progression, and functional impairment.

Treatment Options

Observation

Early Dupuytren’s disease without significant contracture may simply be monitored.

Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy

A minimally invasive procedure performed through small skin punctures to divide Dupuytren’s cords and improve finger extension.

This is often suitable for selected patients with well-defined cords and less severe contracture.

Surgical Fasciectomy & Reconstruction

Surgical excision of Dupuytren’s tissue may be recommended for more advanced, recurrent, or functionally limiting disease.

Depending on the severity of contracture and soft tissue involvement, reconstructive procedures such as Z-plasty or full-thickness skin grafting may also be required.

Surgical treatment aims to:

• improve finger extension

• restore hand function

• reduce progressive deformity

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on:

• severity of contracture

• fingers involved

• type of procedure performed

Hand therapy is commonly required following surgery to assist with:

• wound care

• swelling management

• splinting

• range of motion

• functional recovery

Night splinting may be recommended for several months following surgery.

Related Rehabilitation Protocols

• Dupuytren’s fasciectomy rehabilitation protocol

• Hand & wrist rehabilitation protocols

Procedures Performed

• Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy

• Fasciectomy and reconstructive soft tissue procedures for Dupuytren’s contracture, including Z-plasty and full-thickness skin grafting

Specialist Hand & Wrist Care

Mr Francis Ting completed subspecialty fellowship training at Canada’s renowned Hand and Upper Limb Clinic and provides specialist hand and wrist care at Southern Cross Hospital and Taranaki Base Hospital.

Treatment is individualised to each patient, with emphasis on accurate diagnosis, restoration of hand function, and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dupuytren’s disease hereditary?

Dupuytren’s disease commonly runs in families and is more common in people of Northern European ancestry.

Does Dupuytren’s disease always progress?

Dupuytren’s disease often progresses slowly over time, although the rate of progression varies between individuals. Some patients develop only small nodules or cords with minimal functional limitation, while others may develop progressive finger contracture affecting hand function.

Does Dupuytren’s disease always need surgery?

No. Early disease without significant contracture may only require observation.

What is needle aponeurotomy?

Needle aponeurotomy is a minimally invasive technique used to divide Dupuytren’s cords through small skin punctures.

Can Dupuytren’s disease come back after treatment?

Recurrence can occur following both minimally invasive and surgical treatment.

Will I need hand therapy after surgery?

Hand therapy is commonly recommended following surgery to assist recovery and splinting.

Referral and assessment

Mr Francis Ting is happy to assess patients with Dupuytren’s disease and discuss appropriate management options, including observation, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical treatment where indicated.

Referrals are welcome from GPs, physiotherapists, hand therapists, and other health professionals. Early assessment may help identify appropriate treatment options before fixed contracture and loss of function develop.