The demand for treatment of Dupuytren's disease by a procedure of limited invasiveness and quick recovery is increasing in accordance with aging of the Polish population. Such a demand is fulfilled by different types of fasciotomy (open, percutaneous needle fasciotomy).
<bold>The aim of the study</bold> was to asses the early results of the open fasciotomy in elderly patients.
<bold>Material and methods.</bold> We treated 38 patients (61 fingers) whose mean age was 72 (SD 12) by open fasciotomy; 43 fingers presented stage III Tubiana contracture, 18 stage IV. The pre-operative total passive extension deficit was 123° (78° for stage III group, 111° for stage IV group). All the procedures were performed in outpatient setting. Patients used splint for 5 days, then performed finger - extension exercises and were encouraged to use their hands normally after 1 week.
<bold>Results.</bold> The evaluation of the results was performed 4 weeks post-op. The greatest improvement in both of the groups was noted in MCP joint - 80% and in PIP joint - 48%, this difference is statistically significant. The general improvement ratio was 76%, greater in stage III group - 82% whereas in stage IV group 69%, but this difference was not statistically significant. All of the wounds healed up to 3 weeks, no complications were observed.
<bold>Conclusion.</bold> The open fasciotomy is a recommendable short term treatment in patients of advanced age, suffering from stage III and stage IV of Dupuytren's disease.
