Supplementary arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of fingers in surgical treatment of Dupuytren's contracture

Abstract

Correction of residual flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint after excision of diseased connective tissue in Dupuytren's contracture by stepwise arthrolysis. Flexion deformity of the PIP joint of 20° or more after excision of the diseased connective tissue in Dupuytren's contracture. Joint deformities, osteoarthrosis, intrinsic muscle contracture, instability of the PIP joint. Arthrolysis of the PIP joint is performed by six consecutive steps: dissection of the remaining skin ligaments, opening the flexor tendon sheath by transverse incision at the distal end of the A2 pulley, dissection of the checkrein ligaments, dissection of the accessory collateral ligaments, releasing the palmar plate proximally, releasing the palmar plate up to its insertion at the middle phalanx base. Dorsal plaster of Paris with extended fingers and compressive dressing in the palm for 2days, occupational/physical therapy, static and possible dynamic extension splint several weeks/months. A total of 31fingers in 28patients with Dupuytren's contracture were evaluated an average of 22months after arthrolysis of the PIP joint. In all, 26joints with an average recurrent flexion contracture of 29° were improved compared to the preoperative flexion contracture of 81°; 4PIP joints witha recurrent flexion contracture averaging 60° were worse. In one patient, PIP flexion contracture of90° was unchanged at follow-up although the joint could be extended intraoperatively to 10° of flexion.