Segmental aponeurectomy for Dupuytren's disease: a prospective study.

A prospective study was carried out on segmental aponeurectomy for Dupuytren's contracture. 46 patients (50 hands) with primary disease were entered into the study. The procedure uses a series of C-shaped incisions to permit excision of small segments (approximately one centimetre) of diseased tissue along the affected ray. Segmental aponeurectomy achieved similar correction of deformity to limited fasciectomy. There was only one wound complication and no wound haematomas. Two patients lost flexion and one digital nerve was damaged. The incidence of recurrence at one year was no higher than with other techniques. Segmental aponeurectomy is a valuable alternative operation for Dupuytren's contracture, particularly in elderly patients.