This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal My Folders Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ullah, A. S. Articles by Bhowal, B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ullah, A. S. Articles by Bhowal, B.

Does a ‘firebreak’ full-thickness skin graft prevent recurrence after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture?

A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMISED TRIAL

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Groby, Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Professor J. J. Dias; e-mail: Joseph.dias{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

We randomised 79 patients (84 hands, 90 fingers) with Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint to have either a ‘firebreak’ skin graft (39 patients, 41 hands, 44 fingers) or a fasciectomy (40 patients, 43 hands, 46 fingers) if, after full correction, the skin over the proximal phalanx could be easily closed by a Z-plasty. Patients were reviewed after three, six, 12, 24 and 36 months to note any complications, the range of movement and recurrence. Both groups were similar in regard to age, gender and factors considered to influence the outcome such as bilateral disease, family history, the presence of diabetes, smoking and alcohol intake.

The degree of contracture of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the operated fingers was similar in the two groups and both were comparable in terms of grip strength, range of movement and disability at each follow-up. The recurrence rate was 12.2%.

We did not identify any improvement in correction or recurrence of contracture after firebreak dermofasciectomy up to three years after surgery.