[Importance of skin graft in preventing recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of full thickness skin grafts to prevent recurrence of aggressive Dupuytren's contracture.

Patients and methods: Eighteen patients presenting with bilateral recurrent Dupuytren's contracture were identified and retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 8.8 years after dermofasciectomy and skin grafting onto at least one hand.

Results: Only two patients presented with a complete diathesis of Dupuytren's contracture, such as defined by Hueston, thus confirming that recurrence is still not predictable. Each patient sustained 3.6 procedures on average. Thirteen patients were skin grafted on a single hand and five patients bilaterally. Recurrence occurred in three instances after skin grafting and in all instances when skin graft was not performed. Finally, three peroperative and five postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusion: Skin grafting was able to prevent further recurrence of recurrent Dupuytren's contracture in 20 out of 23 hands with more than 8 years of follow-up. Since recurrence is still difficult to predict, primary skin grafting remains controversial. Indications for the procedure are more definite once recurrence has occurred.