Dupuytren's contracture : 'the Z-factor'

Abstract

Dupuytren’s contracture (DC) or palmar fasciitis is notorious for its high recurrence rate after surgical fasciectomy. In a personal series of 426 operated hands over a 15-year period with a follow-up period of 2 to 17 years, the recurrence rate was only 3.7% (in the literature: 26–63%). The demographics, surgical technique and results are discussed. It is suggested that the possible reason for the low recurrence rate lies in multiple Z-plasties.