The long-term results of closed palmar fasciotomy in the management of Dupuytren's contracture.

Twenty-three patients were reviewed an average of 5.3 years after a closed palmar fasciotomy for the correction of Dupuytren's contracture. Results suggest that this procedure is best suited to those whose contracture is mainly at the MP joint and that approximately 55% of such patients can expect the correction to be maintained for at least five years. In those patients with severe deformity affecting the PIP joint in addition to the MP joint, this may be a useful preliminary procedure, but is unlikely to be of any long term benefit.