Dupuytren’s contracture surgery in Wrocław
Dupuytren’s contracture is thickening and shortening of the tissue in the palm that gradually pulls the fingers towards it. Surgery removes the scarred cords and frees the fingers; it usually takes 60-90 minutes under regional or general anaesthetic. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
Dupuytren’s contracture is thickening and shortening of the tissue in the palm that gradually pulls the fingers towards it. Surgery removes the scarred cords and frees the fingers; it usually takes 60-90 minutes under regional or general anaesthetic. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
What does the procedure involve?
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery treats a disease in which thickened bands of tissue in the palm gradually bend the fingers, preventing them from straightening. The procedure involves removing or cutting the altered tissue and releasing the fingers, restoring hand function and the ability to perform daily activities freely.
The most common indications for the procedure:
Preparation for the procedure:
Orthopedic consultation with a thorough examination of the hand
Ultrasound or X-ray of the hand (if needed)
Laboratory tests
Stopping anticoagulant medications (e.g. aspirin) - 5-7 days before the operation
On the day of the procedure the hand must be clean, without nail polish, creams or wounds
Course of the procedure
The procedure takes place under conduction or general anaesthesia and usually lasts 60-90 minutes.
The surgeon makes precise incisions along the altered tissues of the palmar aponeurosis, removes the scarred bands and releases the contracted fingers.
If necessary, skin plasty is also performed.
Fine sutures and a dressing are applied.
The patient goes home once the surgeon decides it is appropriate.
Recovery and post-procedure recommendations:
The hand should be immobilised for a few days in a dressing
Avoiding loading the limb for 10-14 days
Regular rehabilitation exercises - conducted by a physiotherapist
Removal of the sutures after 10-14 days
Full rehabilitation may take 4-6 weeks
Massage and mobilisation of the scars - started after full healing of the wound
Krwiak, infekcja rany
Damage to nerves or blood vessels
Scarring - requiring further rehabilitation
Stiffness of the fingers despite the procedure (with very advanced changes)
Recurrence of the disease (rare, after several years)
At Luna Clinic the procedure is performed by Dr Krzysztof Ciechan - an orthopaedist specialising in hand surgery and microsurgery, with many years of surgical experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
It is a disease of the palmar aponeurosis: thickenings and bands form in the palm, which gradually contract the fingers (most often the ring and little finger), preventing their full extension.
What does Dupuytren’s contracture surgery involve?
The surgeon excises the diseased bands of the aponeurosis (fasciectomy), releasing the contracted fingers. In advanced cases the procedure is combined with skin plasty.
When should Dupuytren’s contracture be operated on?
When the contracture exceeds about 30 degrees in the metacarpophalangeal joint, the fingers cannot be straightened (positive tabletop test) or the hand stops fulfilling daily functions.
How long does the operation take and what anaesthesia is used?
Depending on the extent of the changes, 45-90 minutes, under regional (brachial plexus) or local anaesthesia.
What does recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery look like?
For 2 weeks protection of the wound and elevation of the hand, sutures removed after 10-14 days. Early hand rehabilitation and finger-straightening exercises are crucial, sometimes with a night splint.
When will I return to work after the operation?
To office work usually after 2-3 weeks, to physical work after 6-8 weeks - depending on the extent of the procedure and professional requirements.
Can Dupuytren’s contracture recur?
The disease is progressive and recurrences after years are possible, especially in younger people with an aggressive form. The operation removes the altered bands but not the genetic cause.
Will the operation restore full straightening of the fingers?
With moderate contractures usually yes; with long-standing, advanced changes the joints may remain partially limited. The earlier the operation, the better the effect.
Does the procedure hurt?
The operation is painless thanks to anaesthesia, and post-operative complaints are controlled by standard medications. Tenderness of the scar in the palm may persist for several weeks.
How to prepare for the operation?
Carry out the ordered tests, report blood-thinning medications, plan help with daily activities for the first days - the operated hand will be temporarily excluded from heavier tasks.
What are the possible complications of Dupuytren’s surgery?
Rarely: haematoma, infection, delayed skin healing, temporary sensory disturbances of the fingers, recurrence of the contracture. The surgeon’s experience and rehabilitation limit the risk.
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery in Wrocław: how much does it cost?
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery starts at PLN 3,000 in our price list.
Indications - is this procedure for you?
The most common reasons patients come for the “Dupuytren’s contracture surgery” procedure:
- Pain limiting daily activity, work or sleep.
- Mobility limitation, instability or “catching” in the joint.
- Insufficient improvement after conservative treatment and rehabilitation.
Contraindications
Effects - when and for how long?
Effect: improved extension immediately; full function after rehabilitation. Durability: lasting with adherence to recommendations.
Safety and possible complications
As with any operation, the following are possible - though rare: haematoma, infection, sensory disturbances in the operated area, scar hypertrophy or the need for another procedure.
We minimise the risk at every stage: a sterile procedure suite, an experienced anaesthesiology team, careful qualification and post-operative monitoring. You have the right to know every aspect of the procedure - at the consultation we will discuss them honestly and without haste.
Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD
A specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the locomotor system with over 13 years of experience in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. A doctor of medical sciences, a graduate of the Wrocław Medical Academy; he also gained practice in hospitals in the United Kingdom, combining modern treatment techniques with an individual approach to the patient.
Take the first step
Book a consultation - an honest conversation about expectations, possibilities and the treatment plan.
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery: price and consultation
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery (minimally invasive) costs from PLN 3,000 at Luna Clinic. The price depends on the number of fingers affected, the extent of the changes and whether skin grafting is needed. Eligibility is assessed at an orthopaedic consultation.
How to book
Call +48 666 850 666 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00) or send the consultation form. All prices: Luna Clinic price list.
Where we are
Consultation and surgery: Luna Clinic, ul. Władysława Syrokomli 46, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland - in the Karłowice area of the Psie Pole district. There is parking for patients by the clinic. Directions and map