[2-stage operative treatment of Dupuytren contracture].

The incidence of Sudeck-like complications after surgery for Dupuytren's contracture is discussed. In a series of 209 operations for Dupuytren's contracture some complications were observed in 26 cases. In 12 patients these complications could not be precisely explained. In the author's opinion they may illustrate the creation of a nerve-irritating source within the operative field. In order to avoid these complications a two-stage operation was proposed, especially for severe contractures in elderly patients. A preliminary fasciotomy relieves most of symptoms of the disease and may also serve as a so-called tissue test for eventual more radical procedures. The observation of 42 patients with severe contractures so treated confirms the usefulness of the method.