Our Summary

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that causes the fingers to bend towards the palm, due to a problem with the tissue in the palm of the hand. The standard treatment for this condition is a type of surgery called aponeurectomy, but this can lead to complications.

This study looked at a different type of surgery called palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure, which may have fewer complications and a lower chance of the condition coming back. The surgery was performed on 16 patients, most of whom were men.

The results showed that this type of surgery improved the ability to straighten the fingers by 97%. There were no complications from the surgery and the condition only came back in two patients. This suggests that this type of surgery could be a good option for treating Dupuytren’s disease.

FAQs

  1. What is Dupuytren’s disease and how is it traditionally treated?
  2. What is palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure?
  3. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of Z-plasty for treating Dupuytren’s disease?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Additionally, patients should avoid activities that may put strain on the healing area and follow any physical therapy or rehabilitation recommendations to optimize recovery and improve outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients with Dupuytren’s disease who are looking for a surgical treatment option that may have fewer complications and a lower chance of recurrence may be recommended for Z-plasty surgery. Typically, patients who have tried other treatments for Dupuytren’s disease without success or who have severe contractures that are affecting their daily activities may be good candidates for Z-plasty surgery. Additionally, patients who are willing to undergo surgery and follow post-operative rehabilitation protocols may also be recommended for this type of surgery.

Timeline

  • Before Z-plasty surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with Dupuytren’s disease and experiences symptoms of fingers bending towards the palm.
  2. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including the standard aponeurectomy surgery.
  3. Patient may consider the potential risks and complications of aponeurectomy surgery.
  • After Z-plasty surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure surgery.
  2. Patient experiences improved ability to straighten the fingers by 97%.
  3. Patient does not experience any complications from the surgery.
  4. Condition only comes back in two out of the 16 patients who underwent the surgery.
  5. Patient may have a faster recovery time and potentially fewer complications compared to aponeurectomy surgery.
  6. Patient may have improved hand function and quality of life post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a Z-plasty and how does it differ from aponeurectomy surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of undergoing palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure for Dupuytren’s disease?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with this type of surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery time following palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure?
  5. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of improving finger flexibility and preventing the recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for Dupuytren’s disease that should be considered?
  7. How many procedures of this type have you performed and what is your experience with this specific surgical technique?
  8. What post-operative care will be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome from this surgery?
  9. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my hand function following palmar segmental aponeurectomy with Z-plasty closure?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my condition or medical history that may impact the success of this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gardeil L, Matter Parrat V, Portenard AC, Coquerel D, Bonmarchand A, Auquit Auckbur I. Journal: Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2019 Dec;105(8):1627-1631. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.08.016. Epub 2019 Oct 29. PMID: 31676275