Extensive versus limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture.

In an effort to compare the operative methods extensive and limited fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, 2 groups patients were analysed. The groups are very uniform in all ways, and the follow-up period exceeded 5 years in all cases.The analysis revealed that after such a long follow-up period the results are very much the same. The poor results in the group of extensive fasciectomy were due to cicatricial changes and in the group of limited fasciectomy to recurrences, mainly in the operated area.Since the cicatricial changes are difficult to treat owing to the lack of subcutaneous tissue, while the local recurrences are easier to reoperate, it is concluded that limited fasciectomy ought to be preferred, but an attempt should be made to make it locally radical.