What to expect from Dupuytren's surgery for Dupuytren's contracture

The surgeon makes an incision in the palm or affected finger and separates, divides or removes the cord that is pulling the joint into a bent position. The exact approach depends on the fingers involved, skin quality and how far the contracture has progressed. Anaesthesia may numb the arm or hand, or another method may be recommended. A dressing and sometimes a splint protect the hand afterward. Finger straightening can improve, but swelling and stiffness may temporarily limit use.

Keep the dressing clean and dry, elevate the hand when swollen, and use pain relief only as directed. Do not remove stitches or force the fingers straight unless your surgical team instructs you. Hand therapy usually introduces guided bending and straightening, scar care and practical exercises. A night splint may be advised for a period while tissues heal. Driving, work and heavier gripping should wait until your surgeon or therapist confirms that movement, wound healing and control are adequate.

Contact the surgical team for increasing wound redness, warmth, drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, or fingers that become persistently pale, blue, cold or numb. Seek urgent help for sudden severe swelling, heavy bleeding through the dressing, or rapidly worsening finger movement.

Ask which cord and joints will be treated, what hand therapy schedule is planned, whether a splint is likely, and what change in finger position is realistic. Discuss scar sensitivity, recurrence, time away from work and how complications would be managed.