Proximal interphalangeal joint release in Dupuytren's disease of the little finger

We present a prospective study, with 3-year follow-up, of the role and outcome of fasciectomy plus sequential surgical release of structures of the proximal interphalangeal joint in Dupuytren's contracture of the little finger. Our treatment programme involves fasciectomy for all patients followed by sequential release of the accessory collateral ligament and volar plate as necessary. Of the 19 fingers in the study, eight achieved a full correction by fasciectomy alone, and in these cases there was a fixed flexion deformity of 6 degrees at 3 months and 8 degrees at 3 years. The remaining 11 fingers (initial mean deformity 70 degrees flexion) were left with a fixed flexion deformity of 42 degrees after fasciectomy which reduced to 7 degrees with capsulo-ligamentous release. This increased to 26 degrees at 3 months but then remained relatively stable, increasing only to 29 degrees at 3 years. In our experience sequential proximal interphalangeal joint release has led to consistently good results with few complications in the correction of severe Dupuytren's disease of the little finger.