Abstract
Purpose Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is performed in the authors' department to treat Dupuytren's
contracture at metacarpophalangeal joints. This study aimed to establish its safety
and efficacy, compared with standard fasciectomy.
Materials and Methods All patients who had this procedure performed over the study period were sent the
validated British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) postal questionnaire assessing
surgical outcome. Hand function and disability were assessed using the Patient Evaluation
Measure (PEM).
Results Statistically significant improvement was achieved in Dupuytren's contracture at
the mean follow-up of 15 months (SD +/− 10). Approximately 97% of the fingers fully
corrected at surgery remain straight. Recurrence rate was 2.2% among fully corrected
fingers. However, 2 (40%) out of 5 partially corrected fingers had recurrence. No
complication of any kind was noted and no antibiotics used. Hand function was measured
using PEM score correlated well with the residual contracture.
Conclusion Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is safe, effective, has very low complication rates,
and yields comparable results to standard fasciectomy.
Keywords
Dupuytren's disease - fasciotomy - percutaneous needle fasciotomy - surgical treatment
