Dupuytren’s contractureis the curling of the fingers that occurs as a result of Dupuytren’s disease, a problem with unregulatedcollagenformation in the palm of the hand and fingers. The excess collagen formation causes firm collections, called nodules, and string-like collections called cords. It is these cords that pull the fingers down to the palm and prevent the complete straightening of the fingers.

1

Observation

PeopleImages / Getty Images

Doctor speaking with patient

2Stretching and InjectionsGerard Brown / Getty ImagesThere used to be a time when healthcare providers recommended stretching, splinting, and injecting cortisone into Dupuytren’s tissue. In general, these treatments are, at best, only temporarily helpful and, at worst, they can actually make the condition progress more quickly.Cortisone injections are occasionally used to inject the nodular type of Dupuytren’s (not the cords) and it can help to shrink down nodules. Thedownsideis that these nodules typically return over time to their pre-injection size, so this treatment is rarely performed. In addition, there are possibleside-effects of cortisone shotsthat may cause problems for some people.Stretching and splinting were used more commonly in the past. The problem is that these treatments seem to bemore likely to worsen the conditionrather than help it. Many people will instinctively try to stretch the contracted finger, but in general, this practice should be discouraged.Stretching and splinting are sometimes used after treatment to increase joint mobility and prevent recurrence of the contracture. But, this is really only effective as a post-surgical or post-release treatment. At that time, stretching and splinting may commonly be recommended. Stretching as a treatment used on its own is generally not helpful.

2

Stretching and InjectionsGerard Brown / Getty ImagesThere used to be a time when healthcare providers recommended stretching, splinting, and injecting cortisone into Dupuytren’s tissue. In general, these treatments are, at best, only temporarily helpful and, at worst, they can actually make the condition progress more quickly.Cortisone injections are occasionally used to inject the nodular type of Dupuytren’s (not the cords) and it can help to shrink down nodules. Thedownsideis that these nodules typically return over time to their pre-injection size, so this treatment is rarely performed. In addition, there are possibleside-effects of cortisone shotsthat may cause problems for some people.Stretching and splinting were used more commonly in the past. The problem is that these treatments seem to bemore likely to worsen the conditionrather than help it. Many people will instinctively try to stretch the contracted finger, but in general, this practice should be discouraged.Stretching and splinting are sometimes used after treatment to increase joint mobility and prevent recurrence of the contracture. But, this is really only effective as a post-surgical or post-release treatment. At that time, stretching and splinting may commonly be recommended. Stretching as a treatment used on its own is generally not helpful.

Stretching and Injections

Gerard Brown / Getty Images

Person stretching fingers

There used to be a time when healthcare providers recommended stretching, splinting, and injecting cortisone into Dupuytren’s tissue. In general, these treatments are, at best, only temporarily helpful and, at worst, they can actually make the condition progress more quickly.

Cortisone injections are occasionally used to inject the nodular type of Dupuytren’s (not the cords) and it can help to shrink down nodules. Thedownsideis that these nodules typically return over time to their pre-injection size, so this treatment is rarely performed. In addition, there are possibleside-effects of cortisone shotsthat may cause problems for some people.

Stretching and splinting were used more commonly in the past. The problem is that these treatments seem to bemore likely to worsen the conditionrather than help it. Many people will instinctively try to stretch the contracted finger, but in general, this practice should be discouraged.

Stretching and splinting are sometimes used after treatment to increase joint mobility and prevent recurrence of the contracture. But, this is really only effective as a post-surgical or post-release treatment. At that time, stretching and splinting may commonly be recommended. Stretching as a treatment used on its own is generally not helpful.

3Collagenase InjectionsAndrew Brookes / Getty ImagesCollagenase is an enzyme that is extracted from a bacteria. This enzyme is injected directly into a cord of Dupuytren’s tissue and then allowed to break down the tight, contracted tissue. People who receive these injections will usually return to their healthcare provider’s office the following day after the enzyme has had an opportunity to break down the tight tissue. At that point, your healthcare provider will manipulate the finger forcefully to fully break the contracted tissue.Collagenase injections, sold under the trade name of Xiaflex, has become popular as it is relatively simple to perform and therefore many types of healthcare providers now offer it. The procedure can be done entirely within a healthcare provider’s office, although it does require the person being injected to return between one to three days.The downside is that collagenase has fairly specific indications, meaning that it is not a useful treatment for everyone with Dupuytren’s. Some healthcare providers feel they can help patients more with a needle aponeurotomy or surgery, which are generally more versatile procedures.In addition, there is a high cost of collagenase and many insurance plans will not cover the medication.7 Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture

3

Collagenase InjectionsAndrew Brookes / Getty ImagesCollagenase is an enzyme that is extracted from a bacteria. This enzyme is injected directly into a cord of Dupuytren’s tissue and then allowed to break down the tight, contracted tissue. People who receive these injections will usually return to their healthcare provider’s office the following day after the enzyme has had an opportunity to break down the tight tissue. At that point, your healthcare provider will manipulate the finger forcefully to fully break the contracted tissue.Collagenase injections, sold under the trade name of Xiaflex, has become popular as it is relatively simple to perform and therefore many types of healthcare providers now offer it. The procedure can be done entirely within a healthcare provider’s office, although it does require the person being injected to return between one to three days.The downside is that collagenase has fairly specific indications, meaning that it is not a useful treatment for everyone with Dupuytren’s. Some healthcare providers feel they can help patients more with a needle aponeurotomy or surgery, which are generally more versatile procedures.In addition, there is a high cost of collagenase and many insurance plans will not cover the medication.7 Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Collagenase Injections

Andrew Brookes / Getty Images

Woman filling syringe

Collagenase is an enzyme that is extracted from a bacteria. This enzyme is injected directly into a cord of Dupuytren’s tissue and then allowed to break down the tight, contracted tissue. People who receive these injections will usually return to their healthcare provider’s office the following day after the enzyme has had an opportunity to break down the tight tissue. At that point, your healthcare provider will manipulate the finger forcefully to fully break the contracted tissue.

Collagenase injections, sold under the trade name of Xiaflex, has become popular as it is relatively simple to perform and therefore many types of healthcare providers now offer it. The procedure can be done entirely within a healthcare provider’s office, although it does require the person being injected to return between one to three days.

The downside is that collagenase has fairly specific indications, meaning that it is not a useful treatment for everyone with Dupuytren’s. Some healthcare providers feel they can help patients more with a needle aponeurotomy or surgery, which are generally more versatile procedures.In addition, there is a high cost of collagenase and many insurance plans will not cover the medication.

7 Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture

4

Needle Aponeurotomy

John Mahoney, M.D.

hand with ring finger extended

The proponents of this procedure tout several benefits:

There are possible downsides to needle aponeurotomy. Not everyone has a type of Dupuytren’s that will be effectively treated with the needle procedure. Furthermore, recurrence of the condition can be common. And while repeating the procedure is generally not a problem, the recurrence tends to occur more quickly after the needle procedure compared to surgical treatment.

5SurgeryThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVOISIN / Getty ImagesSurgery has long been the most common form of treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. There are many variations to how surgery can be done and how extensive it needs to be. When surgery is performed, an incision is typically made directly on top of the area of Dupuytren’s, the abnormal tissue is removed, and the incisions are sutured closed.The advantage of surgical treatment is that, even in the most advanced stages of Dupuytren’s, there is usually something that can be done from a surgical standpoint. More extensive Dupuytren’s may require a more extensive surgery, but it almost always can be addressed through an incision.In addition, while all of these procedures address the contracted tissue of Dupuytren’s, none of them cure the underlying condition called Dupuytren’s disease. Therefore, recurrence of the contracture is always a possibility, no matter what treatment is performed.The average time between treatment and recurrence is the longest (meaning people don’t need repeat treatment for the most amount of time) with surgery compared to injections or the needle procedure.The major downside of surgery is that the recovery from the procedure can involve discomfort and can be prolonged. People may have bandages on for weeks and splints for months. There is often physical therapy involved in the treatment. Compared to the collagenase or needle procedure, the recovery from surgery is much more involved. The trade-off is that your surgeon may be able to address more surgically than through those less invasive options.

5

SurgeryThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVOISIN / Getty ImagesSurgery has long been the most common form of treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. There are many variations to how surgery can be done and how extensive it needs to be. When surgery is performed, an incision is typically made directly on top of the area of Dupuytren’s, the abnormal tissue is removed, and the incisions are sutured closed.The advantage of surgical treatment is that, even in the most advanced stages of Dupuytren’s, there is usually something that can be done from a surgical standpoint. More extensive Dupuytren’s may require a more extensive surgery, but it almost always can be addressed through an incision.In addition, while all of these procedures address the contracted tissue of Dupuytren’s, none of them cure the underlying condition called Dupuytren’s disease. Therefore, recurrence of the contracture is always a possibility, no matter what treatment is performed.The average time between treatment and recurrence is the longest (meaning people don’t need repeat treatment for the most amount of time) with surgery compared to injections or the needle procedure.The major downside of surgery is that the recovery from the procedure can involve discomfort and can be prolonged. People may have bandages on for weeks and splints for months. There is often physical therapy involved in the treatment. Compared to the collagenase or needle procedure, the recovery from surgery is much more involved. The trade-off is that your surgeon may be able to address more surgically than through those less invasive options.

Surgery

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVOISIN / Getty Images

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Surgeons working on hand

VOISIN / Getty Images

Surgery has long been the most common form of treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. There are many variations to how surgery can be done and how extensive it needs to be. When surgery is performed, an incision is typically made directly on top of the area of Dupuytren’s, the abnormal tissue is removed, and the incisions are sutured closed.

The advantage of surgical treatment is that, even in the most advanced stages of Dupuytren’s, there is usually something that can be done from a surgical standpoint. More extensive Dupuytren’s may require a more extensive surgery, but it almost always can be addressed through an incision.

In addition, while all of these procedures address the contracted tissue of Dupuytren’s, none of them cure the underlying condition called Dupuytren’s disease. Therefore, recurrence of the contracture is always a possibility, no matter what treatment is performed.

The average time between treatment and recurrence is the longest (meaning people don’t need repeat treatment for the most amount of time) with surgery compared to injections or the needle procedure.

The major downside of surgery is that the recovery from the procedure can involve discomfort and can be prolonged. People may have bandages on for weeks and splints for months. There is often physical therapy involved in the treatment. Compared to the collagenase or needle procedure, the recovery from surgery is much more involved. The trade-off is that your surgeon may be able to address more surgically than through those less invasive options.

6Revision SurgeryThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCultura RM Exclusive/KaPe Schmidt / Getty ImagesAs mentioned earlier, one of the major problems with the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is that the underlying problem is unchanged. Dupuytren’s disease is the condition that causes the collagen in your body to be poorly regulated. People with this condition make too much collagen and don’t break down old collagen very well. The treatments described here are all a treatment of thesymptomof this problem—they don’t address the underlying condition.Someday, we expect that we will be able to offer a medication to people with Dupuytren’s to prevent progression or recurrence of the contractures. However, until that time, we are stuck with treatments for the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease only. For that reason, Dupuytren’s can, and almost always will, eventually come back. In those cases, further treatment can be considered.Repeat surgery can be tricky and definitely not as straightforward as initial surgery for Dupuytren’s. Because ofscar tissue formation, the normal anatomy and tissue planes within the hand become distorted, making revision (repeat) surgery much more prone to complication. In fact, some studies have shown a complication rate up to 10 times higher in revision surgery situations.

6

Revision SurgeryThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCultura RM Exclusive/KaPe Schmidt / Getty ImagesAs mentioned earlier, one of the major problems with the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is that the underlying problem is unchanged. Dupuytren’s disease is the condition that causes the collagen in your body to be poorly regulated. People with this condition make too much collagen and don’t break down old collagen very well. The treatments described here are all a treatment of thesymptomof this problem—they don’t address the underlying condition.Someday, we expect that we will be able to offer a medication to people with Dupuytren’s to prevent progression or recurrence of the contractures. However, until that time, we are stuck with treatments for the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease only. For that reason, Dupuytren’s can, and almost always will, eventually come back. In those cases, further treatment can be considered.Repeat surgery can be tricky and definitely not as straightforward as initial surgery for Dupuytren’s. Because ofscar tissue formation, the normal anatomy and tissue planes within the hand become distorted, making revision (repeat) surgery much more prone to complication. In fact, some studies have shown a complication rate up to 10 times higher in revision surgery situations.

Revision Surgery

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCultura RM Exclusive/KaPe Schmidt / Getty Images

Surgeon working on hand

Cultura RM Exclusive/KaPe Schmidt / Getty Images

As mentioned earlier, one of the major problems with the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is that the underlying problem is unchanged. Dupuytren’s disease is the condition that causes the collagen in your body to be poorly regulated. People with this condition make too much collagen and don’t break down old collagen very well. The treatments described here are all a treatment of thesymptomof this problem—they don’t address the underlying condition.

Someday, we expect that we will be able to offer a medication to people with Dupuytren’s to prevent progression or recurrence of the contractures. However, until that time, we are stuck with treatments for the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease only. For that reason, Dupuytren’s can, and almost always will, eventually come back. In those cases, further treatment can be considered.

Repeat surgery can be tricky and definitely not as straightforward as initial surgery for Dupuytren’s. Because ofscar tissue formation, the normal anatomy and tissue planes within the hand become distorted, making revision (repeat) surgery much more prone to complication. In fact, some studies have shown a complication rate up to 10 times higher in revision surgery situations.

7Salvage TreatmentsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photochoja / Getty ImagesThere are times when treatments don’t work as well as hoped or when Dupuytren’s advances despite treatment. In some people, the contracture of the fingers has progressed to a degree that is no longer fixable, even with aggressive treatments. In these situations, a salvage procedure may be necessary.A salvage procedure is a treatment that is not used to fix a problem, but rather to make the situation as tolerable as possible. Some of the salvage procedures rarely performed in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture include:Joint fusion: Ajoint fusionis a surgery to permanently set a joint in a position and have bone grow across it so that it will never bend again. When the joint is fused, it will no longer contract, even if the Dupuytren’s progresses.External fixation: Anexternal fixatoris a device attached to the bone that can stretch soft-tissues around the joint over long time periods. In people with very contracted tissues, stretching for weeks or months may help.Amputation: Amputation of a finger is rarely performed in Dupuytren’s, but it can be helpful in the most challenging situations. Particularly in small fingers—and in people with significant limitations in the functions of the hand—removal of a digit can be helpful in some rare situations.Again, salvage treatments are reserved for the most severe situations that have typically failed more traditional treatments. However, there are possible steps to take in these difficult circumstances.

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Salvage TreatmentsThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photochoja / Getty ImagesThere are times when treatments don’t work as well as hoped or when Dupuytren’s advances despite treatment. In some people, the contracture of the fingers has progressed to a degree that is no longer fixable, even with aggressive treatments. In these situations, a salvage procedure may be necessary.A salvage procedure is a treatment that is not used to fix a problem, but rather to make the situation as tolerable as possible. Some of the salvage procedures rarely performed in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture include:Joint fusion: Ajoint fusionis a surgery to permanently set a joint in a position and have bone grow across it so that it will never bend again. When the joint is fused, it will no longer contract, even if the Dupuytren’s progresses.External fixation: Anexternal fixatoris a device attached to the bone that can stretch soft-tissues around the joint over long time periods. In people with very contracted tissues, stretching for weeks or months may help.Amputation: Amputation of a finger is rarely performed in Dupuytren’s, but it can be helpful in the most challenging situations. Particularly in small fingers—and in people with significant limitations in the functions of the hand—removal of a digit can be helpful in some rare situations.Again, salvage treatments are reserved for the most severe situations that have typically failed more traditional treatments. However, there are possible steps to take in these difficult circumstances.

Salvage Treatments

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photochoja / Getty Images

Doctor holding gauze onto end of patient’s injured finger

choja / Getty Images

There are times when treatments don’t work as well as hoped or when Dupuytren’s advances despite treatment. In some people, the contracture of the fingers has progressed to a degree that is no longer fixable, even with aggressive treatments. In these situations, a salvage procedure may be necessary.

A salvage procedure is a treatment that is not used to fix a problem, but rather to make the situation as tolerable as possible. Some of the salvage procedures rarely performed in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture include:

Again, salvage treatments are reserved for the most severe situations that have typically failed more traditional treatments. However, there are possible steps to take in these difficult circumstances.

8

Radiation Therapy

Low-dose radiation therapy is sometimes used to prevent the worsening of symptoms in people with early-stage Dupuytren’s contracture.

Today, the procedure can be used as an add-on (adjunctive) therapy to another treatment or be used on its own as an alternative treatment.

A review of studies published in 2017 reported that a significant number of the 698 people who underwent hand irradiation had improvements in symptoms for up to a year, suggesting that it may have short-term benefits in the early stages of the disease.

Common side effects includeerythema(superficial skin reddening) in 20% to 40% of cases.Mildskin atrophy(thinning) andtelangiectasia(spider veins) are less common but can occur. The risk of radiation-induced cancer is thought to be low.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ketchum LD.The Rationale for Treating the Nodule in Dupuytren’s Disease.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2014;2(12):e278. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000249Sood A, Therattil PJ, Kim HJ, Lee ES.Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Dupuytren Nodules: A Review of the Literature.Eplasty. 2015;15:e42.Townley WA, Baker R, Sheppard N, Grobbelaar AO.Dupuytren’s contracture unfolded.BMJ. 2006;332(7538):397-400. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7538.397Fletcher J, Tan ESL, Thomas M, Taylor F, Elliott D, Bindra R.Collagenase injections for Dupuytren’s contracture: prospective cohort study in a public health setting.ANZ J Surg. 2019;89(5):573-577. doi:10.1111/ans.14988Degreef I.Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs.Rheumatol Ther.2016;3(1):43-51. doi:10.1007/s40744-016-0027-1Elzinga KE, Morhart MJ.Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease.Hand Clin. 2018;34(3):331-344. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.003Sood A, Paik A, Lee E.Dupuytren’s Contracture.Eplasty. 2013;13:ic1.Denkler K.Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for dupuytren’s disease: a 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty. 2010;10:e15.Rodrigues JN, Becker GW, Ball C, et al.Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture of the fingers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(12):CD010143. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010143.pub2White JW, Kang SN, Nancoo T, Floyd D, Kambhampati SB, Mcgrouther DA.Management of severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint with use of a central slip facilitation device.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2012;37(8):728-32. doi:10.1177/1753193412439673Degreef I, De smet L.Dupuytren’s disease: a predominant reason for elective finger amputation in adults.Acta Chir Belg.2009;109(4):494-7.Werker PMN, Degreef I.Alternative and adjunctive treatments for Dupuytren disease.Hand Clin. 2018 Aug;34(3):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.005Kadhum M, Smock E, Khan A, Fleming A.Radiotherapy in Dupuytren’s disease: a systematic review of the evidence.J Hand Surg.2017;42(7):689–692. doi:10.1177/1753193417695996Nanchahal J, Chan JKK.Treatments for early-stage Dupuytren’s disease: an evidence-based approach.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2023 Mar;48(3):191–198. doi:10.1177/17531934221131373Additional ReadingBecker GW, Davis TR:The outcome of surgical treatments for primary Dupuytren’s disease: A systematic review.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2010;35(8):623-626.Black EM, Blazar PE.Dupuytren disease: an evolving understanding of an age-old disease.J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(12):746–57.Denkler K: Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty.2010;10: e15.Hindocha S, Stanley JK, Watson S, Bayat A:Dupuytren’s diathesis revisited: Evaluation of prognostic indicators for risk of disease recurrence.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(10):1626-1634.Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al:CORD I Study Group: Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s contracture.N Engl J Med.2009;361(10):968-979.Van Rijssen AL, Gerbrandy FS, Ter Linden H, Klip H, Werker PM:A comparison of the direct outcomes of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 6-week follow-up study.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(5):717-725.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ketchum LD.The Rationale for Treating the Nodule in Dupuytren’s Disease.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2014;2(12):e278. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000249Sood A, Therattil PJ, Kim HJ, Lee ES.Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Dupuytren Nodules: A Review of the Literature.Eplasty. 2015;15:e42.Townley WA, Baker R, Sheppard N, Grobbelaar AO.Dupuytren’s contracture unfolded.BMJ. 2006;332(7538):397-400. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7538.397Fletcher J, Tan ESL, Thomas M, Taylor F, Elliott D, Bindra R.Collagenase injections for Dupuytren’s contracture: prospective cohort study in a public health setting.ANZ J Surg. 2019;89(5):573-577. doi:10.1111/ans.14988Degreef I.Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs.Rheumatol Ther.2016;3(1):43-51. doi:10.1007/s40744-016-0027-1Elzinga KE, Morhart MJ.Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease.Hand Clin. 2018;34(3):331-344. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.003Sood A, Paik A, Lee E.Dupuytren’s Contracture.Eplasty. 2013;13:ic1.Denkler K.Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for dupuytren’s disease: a 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty. 2010;10:e15.Rodrigues JN, Becker GW, Ball C, et al.Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture of the fingers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(12):CD010143. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010143.pub2White JW, Kang SN, Nancoo T, Floyd D, Kambhampati SB, Mcgrouther DA.Management of severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint with use of a central slip facilitation device.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2012;37(8):728-32. doi:10.1177/1753193412439673Degreef I, De smet L.Dupuytren’s disease: a predominant reason for elective finger amputation in adults.Acta Chir Belg.2009;109(4):494-7.Werker PMN, Degreef I.Alternative and adjunctive treatments for Dupuytren disease.Hand Clin. 2018 Aug;34(3):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.005Kadhum M, Smock E, Khan A, Fleming A.Radiotherapy in Dupuytren’s disease: a systematic review of the evidence.J Hand Surg.2017;42(7):689–692. doi:10.1177/1753193417695996Nanchahal J, Chan JKK.Treatments for early-stage Dupuytren’s disease: an evidence-based approach.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2023 Mar;48(3):191–198. doi:10.1177/17531934221131373Additional ReadingBecker GW, Davis TR:The outcome of surgical treatments for primary Dupuytren’s disease: A systematic review.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2010;35(8):623-626.Black EM, Blazar PE.Dupuytren disease: an evolving understanding of an age-old disease.J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(12):746–57.Denkler K: Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty.2010;10: e15.Hindocha S, Stanley JK, Watson S, Bayat A:Dupuytren’s diathesis revisited: Evaluation of prognostic indicators for risk of disease recurrence.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(10):1626-1634.Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al:CORD I Study Group: Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s contracture.N Engl J Med.2009;361(10):968-979.Van Rijssen AL, Gerbrandy FS, Ter Linden H, Klip H, Werker PM:A comparison of the direct outcomes of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 6-week follow-up study.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(5):717-725.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ketchum LD.The Rationale for Treating the Nodule in Dupuytren’s Disease.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2014;2(12):e278. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000249Sood A, Therattil PJ, Kim HJ, Lee ES.Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Dupuytren Nodules: A Review of the Literature.Eplasty. 2015;15:e42.Townley WA, Baker R, Sheppard N, Grobbelaar AO.Dupuytren’s contracture unfolded.BMJ. 2006;332(7538):397-400. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7538.397Fletcher J, Tan ESL, Thomas M, Taylor F, Elliott D, Bindra R.Collagenase injections for Dupuytren’s contracture: prospective cohort study in a public health setting.ANZ J Surg. 2019;89(5):573-577. doi:10.1111/ans.14988Degreef I.Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs.Rheumatol Ther.2016;3(1):43-51. doi:10.1007/s40744-016-0027-1Elzinga KE, Morhart MJ.Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease.Hand Clin. 2018;34(3):331-344. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.003Sood A, Paik A, Lee E.Dupuytren’s Contracture.Eplasty. 2013;13:ic1.Denkler K.Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for dupuytren’s disease: a 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty. 2010;10:e15.Rodrigues JN, Becker GW, Ball C, et al.Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture of the fingers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(12):CD010143. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010143.pub2White JW, Kang SN, Nancoo T, Floyd D, Kambhampati SB, Mcgrouther DA.Management of severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint with use of a central slip facilitation device.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2012;37(8):728-32. doi:10.1177/1753193412439673Degreef I, De smet L.Dupuytren’s disease: a predominant reason for elective finger amputation in adults.Acta Chir Belg.2009;109(4):494-7.Werker PMN, Degreef I.Alternative and adjunctive treatments for Dupuytren disease.Hand Clin. 2018 Aug;34(3):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.005Kadhum M, Smock E, Khan A, Fleming A.Radiotherapy in Dupuytren’s disease: a systematic review of the evidence.J Hand Surg.2017;42(7):689–692. doi:10.1177/1753193417695996Nanchahal J, Chan JKK.Treatments for early-stage Dupuytren’s disease: an evidence-based approach.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2023 Mar;48(3):191–198. doi:10.1177/17531934221131373

Ketchum LD.The Rationale for Treating the Nodule in Dupuytren’s Disease.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2014;2(12):e278. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000249

Sood A, Therattil PJ, Kim HJ, Lee ES.Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Dupuytren Nodules: A Review of the Literature.Eplasty. 2015;15:e42.

Townley WA, Baker R, Sheppard N, Grobbelaar AO.Dupuytren’s contracture unfolded.BMJ. 2006;332(7538):397-400. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7538.397

Fletcher J, Tan ESL, Thomas M, Taylor F, Elliott D, Bindra R.Collagenase injections for Dupuytren’s contracture: prospective cohort study in a public health setting.ANZ J Surg. 2019;89(5):573-577. doi:10.1111/ans.14988

Degreef I.Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs.Rheumatol Ther.2016;3(1):43-51. doi:10.1007/s40744-016-0027-1

Elzinga KE, Morhart MJ.Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren Disease.Hand Clin. 2018;34(3):331-344. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.003

Sood A, Paik A, Lee E.Dupuytren’s Contracture.Eplasty. 2013;13:ic1.

Denkler K.Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for dupuytren’s disease: a 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty. 2010;10:e15.

Rodrigues JN, Becker GW, Ball C, et al.Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture of the fingers.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(12):CD010143. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010143.pub2

White JW, Kang SN, Nancoo T, Floyd D, Kambhampati SB, Mcgrouther DA.Management of severe Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint with use of a central slip facilitation device.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2012;37(8):728-32. doi:10.1177/1753193412439673

Degreef I, De smet L.Dupuytren’s disease: a predominant reason for elective finger amputation in adults.Acta Chir Belg.2009;109(4):494-7.

Werker PMN, Degreef I.Alternative and adjunctive treatments for Dupuytren disease.Hand Clin. 2018 Aug;34(3):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2018.03.005

Kadhum M, Smock E, Khan A, Fleming A.Radiotherapy in Dupuytren’s disease: a systematic review of the evidence.J Hand Surg.2017;42(7):689–692. doi:10.1177/1753193417695996

Nanchahal J, Chan JKK.Treatments for early-stage Dupuytren’s disease: an evidence-based approach.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2023 Mar;48(3):191–198. doi:10.1177/17531934221131373

Becker GW, Davis TR:The outcome of surgical treatments for primary Dupuytren’s disease: A systematic review.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2010;35(8):623-626.Black EM, Blazar PE.Dupuytren disease: an evolving understanding of an age-old disease.J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(12):746–57.Denkler K: Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty.2010;10: e15.Hindocha S, Stanley JK, Watson S, Bayat A:Dupuytren’s diathesis revisited: Evaluation of prognostic indicators for risk of disease recurrence.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(10):1626-1634.Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al:CORD I Study Group: Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s contracture.N Engl J Med.2009;361(10):968-979.Van Rijssen AL, Gerbrandy FS, Ter Linden H, Klip H, Werker PM:A comparison of the direct outcomes of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 6-week follow-up study.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(5):717-725.

Becker GW, Davis TR:The outcome of surgical treatments for primary Dupuytren’s disease: A systematic review.J Hand Surg Eur Vol.2010;35(8):623-626.

Black EM, Blazar PE.Dupuytren disease: an evolving understanding of an age-old disease.J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(12):746–57.

Denkler K: Surgical complications associated with fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 20-year review of the English literature.Eplasty.2010;10: e15.

Hindocha S, Stanley JK, Watson S, Bayat A:Dupuytren’s diathesis revisited: Evaluation of prognostic indicators for risk of disease recurrence.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(10):1626-1634.

Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al:CORD I Study Group: Injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren’s contracture.N Engl J Med.2009;361(10):968-979.

Van Rijssen AL, Gerbrandy FS, Ter Linden H, Klip H, Werker PM:A comparison of the direct outcomes of percutaneous needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease: A 6-week follow-up study.J Hand Surg Am.2006;31(5):717-725.

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