Unfortunately stretching exercises and hand therapy don’t classically help to prevent the contracture from occurring. When it becomes very bothersome Mr Wharton offers two types of treatment. For thick cords in the palm these can be divided using a needle under local anaesthetic. This disrupts the cord, and allows the finger to straighten. This procedure generally allows an immediate return to activity.
However, when the cords have entered the finger it becomes less safe to use needle fasciotomy, because the position of the nerve and artery to the finger become less certain. Instead open surgery (fasciectomy) is usually advised to remove the Dupuytren’s tissue. This procedure can be conducted under general anaesthetic, regional anaesthetic (nerve block around the shoulder) or under local anaesthetic alone depending on the complexity of the case.
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