Partial Palmar Fasciectomy

Dupuytren’s contracture happens when abnormal tissue forms in the fascia under your palm. That fascia is the connective tissue that holds the skin of your palm in place. The way this condition affects that tissue leaves most patients with the loss of normal hand function. As it gets worse, your doctor may start talking about your surgical options.

There are four types of fasciectomy procedures depending on the severity of the case, they include:

• Enzymatic Fasciectomy (Xiaflex): This nonsurgical but still procedure-based approach uses a chemical enzyme (collagenase – Xiaflex) to dissolve a portion of the diseased palmar fascia (cord) that is causing a finger contracture. It is a two-day approach where day one, the cord is injected. The subsequent day, the hand is numbed and the finger is pulled straight to rupture the cord and lead to a straighter finger. The benefits of this non-surgical approach are that it requires less rehabilitation. The recurrence rate is on average 3-5 years. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.
• Segmental Fasciectomy: A Short segment of the cord is removed through one or more small incisions along the joint creases. The benefit of this approach is that it is less surgery overall and an easier rehabilitation process. Recurrence rates are around 3 years.
• Regional or Subtotal Fasciectomy: Nearly all of the diseased fascia is removed along with the affected fingers. This involves excising only the fascia that is diseased or affected. In the palm, this includes the pretendinous cords and part of the natatory ligaments. In the finger, the diseased fascia is called spiral and retrovascular cords. The goal of this procedure is to remove as much damaged tissue as safely as possible to prolong the time for regrowth and possible reoccurrence. The recurrence rate is on average 7-10 years.
• Dermofasciectomy: This more aggressive approach is usually reserved for possible recurrent Dupuytrens disease or a more significant, initial involvement. This procedure involves not only excising the diseased palmar fascia but also excising some of the overlying skin. This approach often necessitates skin grafting from a donor site.

A palmar fasciectomy is used to treat more severe cases of Dupuytren’s Contracture. It is more effective than a needle fasciotomy (or needle aponeurectomy) in the long term, and that is why the hand surgeons at Newport Orthopedic Institute no longer offer that procedure. A fasciectomy is considered to be an invasive surgery and can take weeks to months of hand therapy to heal. Hand therapy will usually be required and prescribed by your orthopedic hand surgeon. The purpose of hand therapy is to help you with exercises and movements that will restore the function and movement of your fingers and hands.