A clinical grading system for Dupuytren's contracture.

A clinical classification for Dupuytren's contracture of the hand is described. The classification system has been used to sort patients with Dupuytren's contracture into five broad surgical categories and takes into account predisposing factors, risk of recurrence and sympathetic tone in the individual patient. The system has many advantages in determining the approximate operation time and surgical experience required to treat patients. One hundred and four patients graded by this system have been analysed. There was a broad agreement between expected and actual operating times, with no significant difference between them.