Amputations in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease

23 finger amputations in 19 patients operated on for Dupuytren's disease were reviewed 6 months to 8.5 years after operation (mean 4 years). The distribution of amputations were 17 little fingers and six ring fingers. We found a recurrent lack of extension in nine out of 16 finger amputations distal to the MP joint and painful neuroma or phantom limb pain in five out of seven little finger amputations through or proximal to the MP joint. When amputation in the little finger is necessary, disarticulation of the MP joint may be preferable to amputation at a more distal level. Alternatives to finger amputation should be sought in difficult cases of Dupuytren's disease.