[Dupuytren's contracture. When operate? Conservative preliminary treatment?].

The etiology, symptomatology, clinical findings, course and staging of Dupuytren's contracture are discussed. Surgery is indicated from the second stage onwards; since pain very rarely occurs, it plays no role in establishing the indication for operation. The surgical techniques available are described. Conservative therapy has no influence on the course of the condition, while radiotherapy is inadmissible on account of its side effects. Physical therapy and physiotherapeutic pre-operative measures can improve the results of surgery.