Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery | Tarzana & Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
A finger that gradually loses its ability to straighten can affect simple parts of daily life. Holding a coffee cup, gripping tools, typing at work, playing sports, or completing household tasks may become more difficult when the hand no longer moves the way it used to.
Dupuytren’s contracture is one possible cause of these changes. The condition affects the fascia, a layer of tissue beneath the skin of the palm, causing thickened areas that may form cords and pull fingers into a bent position. For patients with hand function affected,
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery may be an option to consider.
At Foundation Hand Surgery Institute in Tarzana, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons focus exclusively on hand and upper extremity care. We help patients understand their diagnosis, review available treatments, and choose an approach that best fits their symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
What You'll Learn From This Article
How Dupuytren’s contracture affects the palm, fascia, and finger movement
When changes in your hand may need evaluation from a hand specialist
How doctors determine if observation, injections, minimally invasive treatment, or surgery may be appropriate
What happens during Dupuytren’s contracture surgery and recovery
Why hand therapy, splinting, and follow-up care matter after treatment
Understanding Dupuytren’s Contracture and How It Affects Your Hand
Changes in the palm can sometimes develop slowly, making them easy to overlook at first. Understanding what happens beneath the skin can help explain why finger movement may become limited over time.
Dupuytren’s contracture involves the fascia, the connective tissue that supports structures in the hand. In people with this condition, areas of the fascia can thicken, forming firm cords beneath the skin.
As these cords tighten, they may pull one or more fingers toward the palm. The ring finger and small finger are commonly affected, but other fingers can also develop contractures.
The condition affects everyone differently. Some people notice a small lump or mild tightness that changes very slowly. Others develop more significant restrictions that make it harder to straighten their fingers or place their hand flat on a surface.
These changes can interfere with activities that depend on reliable hand function, including typing, driving, exercising, playing instruments, or completing work tasks that require grip and dexterity.
A proper evaluation helps determine how much the condition is affecting your hand and whether treatment is needed. The next step is understanding when symptoms may require attention from a specialist.
Signs You May Need a Hand Specialist Evaluation
Many people first notice Dupuytren’s contracture because something about their hand feels different. A finger may not move normally, or the palm may develop a thickened area that was not there before.
Common signs include:
A firm lump in the palm
Thickened tissue beneath the skin
A cord-like area extending toward a finger
Difficulty fully straightening your fingers
Fingers remaining in a bent position
Changes in grip or hand movement
Some patients seek evaluation because daily activities become frustrating. A bent finger may make it harder to wear gloves, shake hands, hold objects comfortably, or complete hobbies such as golf, gardening, or crafting.
Seeing a hand surgeon does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. A specialist evaluation can help determine the severity of the condition and explain options that fit your needs.
At Foundation Hand Surgery Institute, we focus on helping patients understand their choices before deciding on treatment. Once your surgeon properly evaluates the condition, they can explain which approaches may be appropriate.
How Doctors Diagnose Dupuytren’s Contracture
A diagnosis of Dupuytren’s contracture usually begins with a physical examination and discussion about how the condition affects your daily life.
During an appointment, a hand surgeon may evaluate:
Changes in the palm and fingers
The location and size of thickened tissue
Finger movement and flexibility
The degree of contracture
Activities that have become more difficult
Your doctor may ask when you first noticed changes and whether symptoms have progressed over time. Understanding how the condition affects your work, hobbies, and independence helps guide treatment recommendations.
Dupuytren’s contracture is typically diagnosed through examination rather than imaging. The goal is to understand the condition, determine its severity, and decide whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
A focused evaluation also helps identify when intervention may meaningfully improve hand function.
Treatment Options Before Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery
Treatment decisions depend on how much the contracture affects movement and daily activities. Some patients may only need monitoring, while others may benefit from a procedure to release tightened tissue.
A hand specialist will consider the location of the affected tissue, the degree of finger bending, and your personal goals before recommending a treatment plan.
Observation and Monitoring
Mild Dupuytren’s contracture may not require immediate treatment if it does not interfere with hand function.
In these cases, your doctor may recommend monitoring changes over time. Regular evaluations can help determine if the condition is progressing and whether treatment should be reconsidered.
Collagenase Injections
Collagenase is an injection treatment that uses an enzyme to weaken the cord causing the finger contracture. In selected cases, this may allow the finger to be manipulated into a straighter position.
This treatment is not appropriate for every patient. Your hand surgeon will consider factors such as the location of the cord, the severity of the contracture, and your overall hand function.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive procedures designed to release tight cords through smaller openings than traditional surgery.
The right approach depends on individual anatomy and disease characteristics. A treatment that works well for one person may not be the best choice for another.
Research continues to evaluate treatment approaches for Dupuytren’s disease. A recent PubMed study reviewed current treatment considerations and outcomes, highlighting the importance of selecting treatment based on each patient’s condition.
The table below provides a general comparison of common treatment approaches.
Treatment Option | What It Involves | When It May Be Considered |
Observation | Monitoring changes without immediate intervention | Mild cases that do not significantly affect hand function |
Collagenase injection | Injection used to weaken Dupuytren’s cords | Selected contractures with specific characteristics |
Minimally invasive release | Small access points used to release tightened tissue | Certain patients with appropriate anatomy |
Fasciectomy | Surgical removal of affected fascia | More advanced contractures affecting movement |
Dermofasciectomy | Removal of affected fascia and skin, sometimes with a skin graft | Selected cases based on recurrence concerns |
For patients with more significant limitations, surgery may become part of the discussion.
What Happens During Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery?
When Dupuytren’s contracture begins affecting your ability to use your hand, surgery may be considered to release or remove the tissue causing the restriction.
The specific procedure depends on your symptoms, the affected fingers, and the condition of the fascia.
Fasciectomy
A fasciectomy removes thickened or diseased fascia that has formed restrictive cords in the palm or fingers.
During the procedure, the surgeon creates an incision to access the affected tissue and carefully removes the areas contributing to the contracture.
The goal is to improve finger positioning and help restore better hand movement. Before surgery, your surgeon will discuss expected recovery, possible risks, and what the procedure involves.
Dermofasciectomy
Dermofasciectomy removes affected fascia and, in some cases, the overlying skin. A skin graft may cover the area after removal.
This approach may be considered for specific situations where removing the affected tissue and replacing the skin is part of the treatment plan.
What to Expect Around Surgery
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on the procedure and your individual needs.
After surgery, your hand may be protected with a bandage or dressing. Your care team will provide instructions about wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits.
Set realistic expectations. Surgery can help address contractures, but Dupuytren’s disease can return over time. Your surgeon will discuss recurrence and long-term care during your consultation.
Recovery After Surgery: Hand Therapy, Splints, and Returning to Activities
Recovery is an important part of treatment. After Dupuytren’s contracture surgery, your hand needs time to heal while gradually rebuilding movement and strength.
Your recovery plan may include:
Wound care instructions
Gentle movement exercises
Hand therapy
Splint use when recommended
Gradual return to daily activities
The Role of Hand Therapy
Hand therapy can help support recovery by improving movement, flexibility, and strength. A therapist may guide exercises based on your procedure and healing progress.
The timeline for returning to work, sports, and hobbies varies. Someone who works at a computer may have different needs than someone whose job requires heavy lifting or repetitive hand use.
Wearing a Splint After Treatment
Some patients may need to wear a splint after surgery to help maintain finger positioning during recovery.
Your surgeon and therapy team will determine whether splinting is needed and how it fits into your recovery plan.
Recovery is not the same for every person. Your treatment team will help you understand what activities you can safely resume and when.
Understanding Recurrence After Dupuytren’s Treatment
Dupuytren’s contracture may return after treatment. Recurrence may occur because the underlying disease process continues to affect the fascia over time.
The chance of recurrence varies between patients and may depend on factors such as:
Severity of the original contracture
Location and extent of affected tissue
Individual characteristics of the disease
Follow-up appointments allow your hand surgeon to monitor your progress and address any future changes.
A review published in the Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery examined current treatment approaches and recurrence considerations for Dupuytren’s disease.
Understanding the possibility of recurrence helps patients make informed decisions and maintain realistic expectations after treatment.
Why Choose a Hand Specialist for Dupuytren’s Treatment in Tarzana and Los Angeles?
Hand conditions can affect your ability to work, stay active, and manage daily responsibilities. Having a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options can make the decision process easier.
Foundation Hand Surgery Institute provides specialized care for hand and upper-extremity conditions in the Tarzana, San Fernando Valley, and West Los Angeles communities.
Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Viswanath and Dr. Tantone, focus on personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
Patients benefit from:
Focused expertise in hand and upper extremity conditions
Personalized evaluations
Conservative and surgical treatment discussions
Guidance on recovery expectations
Support for second opinions
The right treatment depends on your individual condition. A specialist can help you understand what is happening and what options may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery
1. What is Dupuytren’s contracture surgery?
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery involves releasing or removing tightened tissue in the palm that causes fingers to bend toward the hand. Common procedures include fasciectomy and dermofasciectomy, depending on the severity of the condition.
2. When should I consider Dupuytren’s contracture surgery?
Surgery may be considered when finger bending affects your ability to use your hand for work, hobbies, or daily activities. A hand surgeon can evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether surgery or another treatment option may be appropriate.
3. How long does recovery take after Dupuytren’s contracture surgery?
Recovery varies based on the procedure, healing process, and individual circumstances. Many patients participate in hand therapy and may wear a splint as part of their recovery plan.
4. Can Dupuytren’s contracture return after surgery?
Yes, recurrence is possible after treatment. The likelihood varies depending on factors related to the disease and the individual patient. Your hand surgeon can discuss what follow-up care may be recommended.
5. Is surgery the only treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture?
No. Treatment options may include observation, collagenase injections, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. The recommended approach depends on how the condition affects your hand and your personal goals.
Request an Appointment With a Hand Specialist in Tarzana and Los Angeles
Changes in your palm or fingers can make everyday tasks more difficult, but understanding your options is the first step toward making an informed decision.
Foundation Hand Surgery Institute provides specialized evaluations and treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture and other hand conditions in Tarzana, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Request an appointment to discuss your symptoms, learn about available treatment options, and develop a care plan tailored to your needs.
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