Illnesses & Conditions
Information on diseases and health concerns, including symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.

Should I have surgery for Dupuytren's disease?

Introduction

This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor's recommendation.

Key points in making your decision

Surgery may be recommended for severe cases of Dupuytren's disease in which the tissue beneath the skin in the palm thickens to the point that your hand movement is limited. Consider the following when making your treatment decision:

• Before considering surgery, you might try nonsurgical treatment including physical or occupational therapy and home stretching exercises.
• You may want to consider surgery if your finger or fingers are bent to the palm and cannot be straightened (contracture).
• You may not want to consider surgery if you are able to move your fingers and do daily activities.
• You may need to have surgery again if the disease recurs and you lose mobility in your hands.

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