Surgical Hospital :: Orthopedic Surgery

Fasciectomy

Your Dupuytren's contracture will be corrected by removal of the abnormal fascia and relaxation of the overlaying skin.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is often injected around the cut at the end of the operation. This area and possibly some of the fingers will remain numb for up to ten hours after surgery. As this effect wears off, it may be worth taking some pain killers. You will stay in hospital for one night after your operation.

Hand elevation is important to prevent swelling and stiffness of the fingers. Please remember not to walk with your hand dangling, or to sit with your hand held in your lap.
You will be initially placed in a bulky dressing, consisting of gauze, wool and crepe bandage to rest the hand. The dressing will be removed after 24-72 hours and then be left open at this stage, if possible, to allow mobilisation of the fingers.

Fasciectomy - Hand SurgeryAt this time, you will see the Physiotherapist who will give you a splint and specific exercises to perform. The splint is to be worn at night for twelve weeks to keep the finger(s) straight. During the day, the hand should be exercised and you should perform normal light activities.

At this stage it is safe to get the hand wet in a bath or shower. The wound and the surrounding skin often become very dry and will be more comfortable if a moisturizer is applied, including the wound itself. Look out for any redness or tenderness in the area around the wound which might indicate an infection. Do not apply antiseptic.
Usually the entire wound is stitched up in a zigzag manner but occasionally, a segment of the wound is not stitched, being left open to heal by itself (open-palm technique). This usually requires dressings to be applied to the palm for 2-3 weeks whilst mobilisation is performed in the usual way.Fasciectomy - Hand Surgery

Your stitches will be removed about 2 weeks after the operation. Following this the scar will be somewhat firm to touch and tender. This can be helped by massaging the area firmly with the moisturizing cream.

You can usually drive a car after 4 weeks as long as you are comfortable and have regained good finger movements. Timing of your return to work is variable according to your occupation and you should discuss this.

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