Lateral digital rotation flaps in the treatment of forms of Dupuytren's contracture. 141 cases.

Severe contractures of the little finger can be corrected with a rotation flap. It has been used 141 times in a homogeneous series of 522 Dupuytren diseases. This flap brought to the metacarpophalangeal crease to the proximal phalanx can provide a skin lengthening of about 15 mm. The incision can be extended to the palm in order to remove the other fascial lesions. It was used mainly on the little finger (9 times out of 10). A single flap was usually made, but one may use two flaps from contiguous fingers, and even raise two flaps from the same finger. A comparative study with "Z" plasties was carried out. Out of 131 "Z" plasties with an average lack of extension of 126 degrees, the rate of improvement was 57%. The rotation flap was used in 141 cases with an average lack of extension of 140 degrees, and the rate of improvement was 79%. This flap seems to be an interesting procedure in the surgical treatment of severe Dupuytren contractures and seems more efficient than "Z" plasties.