[Operative treatment of Dupuytren's contracture : Arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal finger joint].

Background: In the operative treatment of Dupuytren's disease, in certain cases proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture remains after fasciectomy due to shrinkage, shortening, and/or adhesion of the periarticular structures.
Objectives: How can a residual flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint after partial fasciectomy in Dupuytren's disease be treated surgically and what follow-up results can be expected?
Methods: Description of anatomy, indication, surgical technique of arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, postoperative treatment, and critical analysis of the results reported in the literature.
Results: Arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint is performed in up to six consecutive steps. An improvement of only about 50% compared to preoperative flexion contracture can be expected.
Conclusions: Despite alleged unsatisfactory results arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint can be recommended in surgery of Dupuytren's disease. In certain cases, patient cooperation during lengthy postoperative treatment is necessary.