Dupuytren's disease treated by palmar fasciectomy and an open palm technique

The results of long-term follow-up (range 9-19 years) are presented in a continuous series of patients treated for Dupuytren's contracture by one surgeon using the open palm technique. Mean preoperative total range of movement was 48% rising to 96% postoperatively. Mean total range of movement was 92% at follow-up. Survivorship analysis revealed 86% survival at 10 years and 77% survival at 19 years. There was one digital nerve injury and one case of algodystrophy. This technique gives good long-term results without the use of night splintage or physiotherapy.