Realistic Expectations (Dupuytren's Contracture Release)

Dupuytren's contracture release requires extensive dissection and is usually followed by a marked inflammatory response and swelling. A small tube to remove fluid is usually placed at the time of surgery and removed the first postoperative day. A course of supervised hand therapy and appropriate splinting is essential to achieve the maximal functional result. The length of recovery following this procedure ranges from three weeks to six months or longer, depending on the severity of the contracture, the person's tendency to form scar tissue, and patient compliance with the post-operative therapy. Despite all these factors, some patients with Dupuytren's contracture have a tendency to form scar tissue, and it may take several months before reaching a point of maximal improvement following surgery.