Dupuytren’s Disease

Understanding Your Options for Contracture of the Hand

Dupuytren’s disease is a common condition that can cause the fingers to curl inwards, making everyday tasks harder over time. At Sozo Clinic, we offer expert, consultant-led treatment, including both surgical and non-surgical options, depending on how your condition is affecting you.

What Is Dupuytren’s Disease?

Dupuytren’s disease (or Dupuytren’s contracture) affects the connective tissue in the palm. Over time, this tissue thickens and tightens, forming nodules and cords under the skin that pull one or more fingers toward the palm.

It’s not caused by injury, and it’s not cancerous, but it can be progressive and functionally limiting.

Common signs include:

  • A lump or ridge in the palm
  • Inability to fully straighten one or more fingers (commonly the ring or little finger)
  • Difficulty placing your hand flat on a table
  • Gradual worsening over time

When Do You Need Treatment?

Not everyone with Dupuytren’s needs surgery right away. Many people live with mild symptoms for years.

We typically consider treatment when:

  • The disease is progressing
  • You can’t place your hand flat on a surface
  • Your finger(s) are starting to bend into the palm
  • You’re finding it hard to grip objects, shake hands, or do everyday tasks
photo of dupuytrens disease

What Are the Treatment Options?

At Sozo Clinic, we tailor treatment to your needs, symptoms, and goals.

Needle Aponeurotomy (Needle Fasciotomy)

A minimally invasive technique where a needle is used to release the cord. Best for:

• Early or moderate disease
• Patients who want a faster recovery
• Those not ready for formal surgery
• Quicker recovery, but higher recurrence rate

Surgery (Fasciectomy)

This is the most reliable option for moderate to severe contracture. It involves removing the thickened tissue from the palm and finger to restore straightness and function.

– Usually done as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic
– Performed in our clean-air theatre environment
– Offers longer-term correction and a lower recurrence rate compared to non-surgical options

Xiapex® (Collagenase Injection)

This is a non-surgical enzyme treatment that softens the cord, allowing the finger to be straightened by manipulation.

Unfortunately, Xiapex is not currently available in the UK after being withdrawn from the market. It may be reintroduced in future, and Sozo will offer it if guidelines and supply allow.

What about skin grafting and when do I need it?

In more advanced cases, where the skin is too tight after removing the diseased tissue, we may need to replace it using a skin graft — usually taken from the forearm.

This allows for:
• A tension-free closure
• Better finger straightening
• Reduced risk of wound healing problems

You’ll be advised in advance if a skin graft might be necessary during your procedure. It may mean that your procedure will need to be done under regional anaesthetic with numbing of the whole arm, or even general anaesthetic.

Benefits of Surgery

  • Improved hand function and grip

  • Greater ability to straighten fingers

  • Reduced discomfort or tightness

  • Low recurrence with full fasciectomy (compared to non-surgical options)

Risks of Surgery

As with all procedures, there are some risks. We’ll discuss these fully at your consultation.

  • Temporary or permanent numbness

  • Stiffness or reduced movement

  • Infection or slow wound healing

  • Recurrence (especially in younger patients or those with aggressive disease)

  • Rarely: damage to tendons, nerves or blood vessels

We perform all surgery in a clean, sterile setting, using techniques that minimise trauma and support recovery.

What Results Can I Expect?

Most patients report:

  • A straighter finger (though not always fully straight, depending on severity)

  • Improved use of the hand

  • Long-term improvement with a low recurrence rate — especially with full fasciectomy

Physical therapy or splinting may be recommended after surgery to maintain results and promote healing.

a photo of a patient with a 4 inch scar and stitches to the little finger for dupuytrens surgery

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re struggling with finger contracture, don’t wait for it to worsen. Sozo Clinic offers a calm, specialist-led approach to treating Dupuytren’s — with or without surgery. Specialist hand care… Made personal.

photo of hands in praying position indicating pain free function