How effective is Dupuytren's surgery for Dupuytren's contracture?

Dupuytren's contracture causes thickened bands in the palm or fingers to pull a finger toward the palm. Surgery may divide or remove the restricting tissue so the finger can be repositioned. The amount of correction depends on the joints involved, how long they have been bent, skin flexibility, and the condition of nearby tissues.

A straighter finger does not always mean normal strength or motion immediately. Swelling, scar sensitivity, altered sensation, and stiffness can affect hand use during recovery. The condition can also develop again or affect another area of the hand, so surgery treats the current restriction rather than changing the underlying tendency.

Before surgery, discuss work, driving, hobbies, dominant-hand demands, and any circulation or sensation concerns. Afterward, protect the wound as instructed, elevate the hand when swollen, and attend hand therapy if prescribed. Exercises and splinting may help maintain the corrected position, but forceful stretching or lifting too early can irritate healing tissues. Keep follow-up appointments so motion and wound healing can be checked.

Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening swelling, or pain that is becoming harder to control. Seek urgent help if the finger becomes cold, pale, suddenly weak, or persistently numb, or if the wound opens significantly.

Ask which cord or joint is limiting your finger, what degree of straightening is realistic, and whether hand therapy or a splint will be needed. Discuss expected effects on grip, work, driving, and the possibility of further contracture.