Dupuytren's contracture is an abnormal thickening of tissues in the palm of the hand. The thickened tissues may develop into a hard lump affecting proper function of the hand.
What it is: A minimally invasive procedure where a fine needle is used to divide the tight cord of tissue in the palm.
When it’s used: Best suited for early or moderate contractures where cords are clearly felt under the skin.
Benefits: Quick procedure, often done under local anaesthetic with faster recovery and less scarring.
Limitations: Higher risk of recurrence compared to open surgery, and not suitable for all finger patterns.
What it is: The most common surgery for Dupuytren’s. The surgeon makes small incisions in the palm and carefully removes the diseased fascia (thickened tissue) that causes the finger to bend.
When it’s used: For more established or advanced contractures that interfere with hand use.
Benefits: More thorough than needle fasciotomy, with lower recurrence rates.
Limitations: Recovery is longer, stitches are required, and risks include stiffness or nerve irritation and damage.
What it is: An extended form of fasciectomy where not only the diseased tissue but also overlying skin is removed. A skin graft (usually from another area of the body) may then need to be applied.
When it’s used: Reserved for severe or recurrent cases, especially when the skin itself has been involved or surgery has failed before.
Benefits: Provides the lowest recurrence rate because both fascia and overlying skin are removed.
Limitations: Longer healing time, graft care needed, and potential for graft related complications and risks include stiffness or nerve irritation and damage.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where tissue in the palm thickens, pulling fingers into a bent position.
Treatment options in New Zealand include fasciectomy, needle fasciotomy, and dermofasciectomy.
Many patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks, though full recovery may take longer and require weekly visits to a hand therapist with additional exercises to be performed at home.
Hand surgeons, such as Dr. Adam Greenbaum, who have been trained in Dupuytren’s contracture treatment.
Not always. Early cases may be monitored, but surgery is recommended if finger movement is restricted.
Recurrence can occur over time, regardless of technique. Your surgeon will discuss risks and how follow-up and therapy may help maintain function.
Yes. It can release selected cords through a small puncture. It suits specific patterns and may have a shorter recovery, though recurrence rates can differ from open surgery.
Referrals are helpful but not always required for private consultations. Check with our team and your insurer regarding any referral or prior-approval needs. Either way, Dr Greenbaum will write to your GP after an assessment and consultation to update your records with the GP.
Costs vary with procedure type, hospital/theatre needs and hand therapy. We provide an estimate after consultation – see our Fees page A guide to our fees | Cutting Edge Plastic Surgery for guidance.
We’re in Pukekohe, serving South Auckland and the wider Auckland region. Contact us for appointment options.
Over time it can cause one or more fingers to curl (contract) or pull in toward the palm. You may not be able to use your hand for certain things.
Dupuytren’s Contracture (DC) is a fibro-proliferative disease of the fascial tissue under the skin of the palm of the hand(s) which results in contractures. It is one of several variants of superficial, fascial fibromatoses that can cause similar contractors in other parts of the body and is a similar pathological process to that which causes “Frozen Shoulder”.
If left untreated, it produces a flexion contracture deformity of the fingers, winding and curling them into the palm.
There is a strong inherited tendency and patients will often be aware of parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts who had it. Sadly, they may often assume that because their relatives seemed to have to accept increasing deformity, interference with function and ultimately sometimes, amputation of digits, they will follow the same path. Too often, I have known this be the reason why patients have put off seeking help.
Times have changed, surgical techniques (and access to these techniques) has changed and so these days, spotting DC at an early stage and engaging early on is often the difference that leads to a functional hand in old age after prompt intervention and periodic further surgical procedures if needed to prevent progression and lost function.
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