Hand surgery · Melbourne
Dupuytren surgery in Melbourne
Dupuytren disease thickens the fascia beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Cords may gradually pull a finger into a bent position. Dr Brian Yue assesses the effect on hand function, the joints involved, skin involvement and any previous treatment.
When a cord limits hand opening
A nodule alone does not always require surgery. I also distinguish a Dupuytren cord from trigger finger, tendon adhesions and joint stiffness, because these problems can coexist and need different treatment.
Choosing a release or fasciectomy
Treatment options depend on the cord, contracture, skin and your priorities. In appropriate cases, a less extensive cord-release procedure may be discussed. Fasciectomy removes affected tissue to release the contracture; skin rearrangement such as a Z-plasty may help close the wound without excessive tension. More involved or recurrent disease may require a different skin reconstruction.
The aim is useful improvement in hand opening and function. A longstanding bent joint may not fully straighten, and the operation does not cure the underlying tendency to form Dupuytren tissue.
Recovery and recurrence
Dressings, exercises, hand therapy and sometimes splinting form part of recovery. Risks include bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered sensation, nerve or blood-vessel injury, stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome and recurrence. Work restrictions depend on the extent of surgery and your duties. Recurrence or disease in another finger can occur even after an initially successful correction.
Related procedures
Your next step
A consultation allows us to assess your concerns and discuss appropriate treatment, recovery and risks.
Consultations in Essendon and Bundoora, Melbourne.
Book a consultationDr Brian Yue
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
FRACS MBBS BMedSci DipAnat