METHOD FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT OF DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: surgery. SUBSTANCE: proposed method comprises following steps: aponeurosis palmaris is dissected through incisions practised on proximal and distal palmar folds of fingers, followed by suturing entire wound so as to leave defect of integmentaly tissues with surface area of 6 sq.sm. Out of medium third of forearm's radial surface skin graft is tailored out. Graft is formed with distal vascular peduncle 8-12 cm long including radial artery and vein. Additional shaped incision is practised so as to pass past eminence of first finger, to reach peduncle base disposed in "anatomic snuff-box" area and, finally, to terminate in proximal palmar fold. Skin graft is then placed onto palm and secured to defect edges by sutures, while donor wound is sutured. Proposed method offers number of advantages: it prevents complications associated with open nature of wound, such as: necrosis, osteomyelitis, neuritis, cicatrical contractures, etc.; substitution of defect with skin graft having blood vessels does not lead to formation of coarse scars on hand's working surface, thereby considerably improving functional and cosmetic effect; patient's life quality can be improved, since patient is not limited in social life and remains fit to work. EFFECT: shorter treatment period, viz 1!5-2 weeks as against 3-6 weeks in conventional method.