Dupuytren's release
What is dupuytren's release surgery?
Dupuytren's Release Surgery is a procedure used to treat Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that causes thickening and tightening of the skin and tissue in the palm of the hand.
What happens during dupuytren's release surgery?
During the procedure, an incision is made in the palm to release the contracted tissue and restore range of motion in the hand.
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and can often be done on an outpatient basis.
Sometimes the palm wound is purposefully left open to prevent early finger contraction. If the skin quality is poor, some skin is removed and replaced with a graft from your forearm or arm.
The surgeon will advise you if this is likely before the surgery.
The hand is then dressed, sometimes using plaster.
Dupuytren's Release Surgery can be effective in reducing pain and restoring range of motion in the hand.
How long is the recovery from dupuytren's release surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition, but can take several weeks to achieve full motion.
The wound is inspected within one week and a lightweight thermoplastic splint is fashioned by the hand therapist.
Hand therapy is begins once the wounds have settled down.
The wound should be kept clean, dry and covered until healed.
Early use of the fingers and hand are encouraged but heavy manual labour should be avoided until the wound has fully healed and the hand strength has returned.
Once the wound has healed massage the scar with E45/Nivea cream or similar.