The efficacy and safety of fasciectomy and fasciotomy for Dupuytren’s contracture in European patients: a structured review of published studies

A structured review of published papers was done to assess the efficacy and safety of fasciectomy and fasciotomy in European patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. The outcomes varied across 48 studies. For fasciectomy, outcomes and results were as follows: the proportions of patients with a 100% correction in contracture angle ranged from 61 to 97%, the mean improvement in contracture angle ranged from 58 to 79%, and cases judged excellent/good ranged from 63 to 90%. Fasciotomy had similar outcomes, with a mean improvement in contracture angle ranging from 46 to 88%. Immediate failures upon recovery were reported for both procedures. The average recurrence rates were 39% after a fasciectomy and 62% after a fasciotomy at a median time of about 4 years. Overall, about 20% of fasciectomy and fasciotomy patients experienced an adverse event. In summary, postoperative outcomes were successful, but surgical complications were common and recurrence of a contracture was likely within a few years.