Open Palm Technique in Dupuytren's Disease Treatment

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of the open palm technique for the treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

Method: The authors used the technique described by McCash. Twelve patients (13 hands) were surgically treated, between october 2002 and september 2011.

Results: The wounds healed in a medium of 25 days (variation of 17 to 30 days). There were no complications, such as infection, haematoma formation, skin necrosis, residual edema.

Conclusion: The open palm technique remains a safe alternative for the treatment of Dupuytren's disease, with satisfactory results and low risk of complications.

Keywords: Dupuytren contracture; Operative hand deformities; Surgical procedures.

Chart 1

General patient data.

Fig. 1

Patient number 2, preoperative. Finger IV affected, anteroposterior view.

Fig. 2

Patient number 2, preoperative. Finger IV affected, profile view.

Fig. 3

Patient number 2, perioperative, with identification of the longitudinal cord.

Fig. 4

Patient number 2, 25 days postoperative, with complete extension of the finger.

Fig. 5

Patient number 2, 25 days postoperative, with finger in flexion, demonstrating pulp-palm with minimum functional deficit.