Do you need a referral for Dupuytren's surgery?

Dupuytren's disease can cause thickened tissue in the palm and fingers, sometimes pulling a finger toward the palm. Surgery is one possible treatment, but the decision depends on the finger position, hand function, progression, skin condition, and your goals.

A referral can come from a family doctor, orthopaedic clinician, or another healthcare professional. It helps the hand surgeon understand the concern and any previous care, but it does not commit you to an operation. The surgeon will examine your hand and explain whether surgery or another approach is appropriate.

Call the chosen clinic to ask whether a referral is needed, which clinician can provide it, and what records to bring. Describe which fingers are affected, whether you can place the hand flat, and whether everyday tasks such as gripping or washing are becoming difficult.

Take a list of medicines and health conditions, especially problems with wound healing, circulation, sensation, or bleeding. Ask whether previous imaging or treatment notes are useful. A consultation may cover surgical approaches such as fasciectomy or needle aponeurotomy, recovery planning, and hand therapy.

Arrange timely medical review if the hand is rapidly changing, pain or swelling is marked, or function is declining. Seek urgent care after an injury if a finger becomes cold, pale, blue, severely numb, or impossible to move. These situations need assessment rather than waiting for a routine surgical referral.

Ask: Do I need a referral for this service? Is an operation indicated for my hand function? Which procedure fits the tissue changes? What are the expected restrictions, wound-care needs, and hand-therapy plan?