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Fasciectomy is surgery to remove abnormal or diseased fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, tendons, and other structures. In the hand, the term most commonly refers to removal of thickened palmar fascia caused by Dupuytren contracture. The goal is to release contracted fingers and improve their ability to straighten. The amount of fascia removed depends on the extent and location of disease.
read more about fasciectomy ...Hand fasciectomy is considered when Dupuytren cords cause a functionally significant finger contracture or interfere with everyday activities. Surgery can be chosen when less invasive treatments are unsuitable, have failed, or when the disease is extensive. The procedure addresses the abnormal fascial tissue but does not remove the underlying tendency to develop Dupuytren disease. Recurrence or progression in other areas can therefore occur later.
The surgeon makes one or more incisions in the palm and affected finger to expose the abnormal fascial cords. Diseased fascia is carefully separated from nearby nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and skin before it is removed. A limited fasciectomy removes selected diseased fascia, while dermofasciectomy removes involved fascia together with overlying skin and can require a skin graft. The finger is then brought toward a straighter position and the wound is closed or managed according to the chosen technique.
The hand is usually elevated after surgery to limit swelling, and dressings or a splint can be used to protect the repair. Hand therapy commonly begins early to restore motion, manage swelling, and reduce stiffness or scar adherence. A night extension splint can be recommended for a period depending on the surgeon and therapist. Return to work and heavier hand use varies with wound healing, the fingers treated, and the physical demands of the activity.
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, wound-healing problems, stiffness, painful scarring, numbness, or injury to digital nerves or arteries. Complex regional pain syndrome and loss of finger movement can occur after hand surgery. Skin loss can be more likely when longstanding contracture has left the skin shortened or closely adherent to diseased fascia. Dupuytren contracture can recur even after a technically successful fasciectomy.
No. Fasciectomy can describe removal of abnormal fascia in other parts of the body, but hand surgery for Dupuytren contracture is one of its most common uses.
Fasciectomy removes part of the fascia, while fasciotomy cuts or divides fascia to release tension. The two procedures have different goals and indications.
Yes. Surgery removes diseased tissue but does not eliminate the biological tendency toward Dupuytren disease. Recurrence or new cords can develop later.
Hand therapy is commonly used to restore motion, manage swelling, guide scar care, and protect the surgical correction. The exact program depends on the operation and recovery.
Dupuytren's Disease. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Dupuytren's Contracture. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dupuytrens-contracture. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Surgical Complications Associated With Fasciectomy for Dupuytren's Disease: A 20-Year Review of the English Literature. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2828055/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Surgery for Dupuytren's contracture of the fingers. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26648251/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Dupuytren Disease. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34963318/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.