[Results of interphalangeal joint arthrolysis in patients with Dupuytren disease]

The results of 226 arthrolyses of the proximal interphalangeal joints of ring and small fingers in patients with Dupuytren's disease are presented in a retrospective study. 52% of cases involved first operations, 48% were operations of recurrent diseases. Proximal interphalangeal joints of small fingers were more frequently affected than those of the ring fingers. Arthrolysis was carried out stepwise in Buck-Gramcko's technique. In 13% of the cases an additional temporary transarticular Kirschner wire fixation was carried out. The results were graded according to extension deficits and the distance from fingertips to distal palmar crease. The average pre-operative extension deficit was 65 degrees. The average extension deficit three months after operation was 35 degrees. The post-operative distance from fingertips to distal palmar crease was 2.5 centimeters. Ring fingers yielded better results than small fingers. A temporary transarticular Kirschner wire fixation did not lead to better results. In unfavourable cases however, this fixation seems to be indicated. Complications occurred in 27% of the cases, mainly involving wound healing.