The role of skin and subcutaneous tissues in Dupuytren's contracture: an electron microscopic observation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between the overlying tissues and recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture.


METHODS
Forty-three patients (68 hands) who accepted surgical treatment were divided into two groups according to treatment methods: partial fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy and full-thickness skin graft. Diseased palmar fascia, subcutaneous tissues and skin obtained during surgery were then assessed by electron microscopy.


RESULTS
All patients were followed up. None of the hands which accepted dermofasciectomy and full-thickness skin grafting recurred, while 46.4% of the hands which accepted partial fasciectomy recurred. Under electron microscopic observation, myofibroblasts were found in the skin and subcutaneous tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
The overlying tissues play an important role in Dupuytren's contracture, which may be a reason for recurrence of this condition after surgical treatment.
Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Wu
W
Chen
Hao
H
Zhou
Zhi-jun
ZJ
Pan
Jian-song
JS
Chen
Li
L
Wang
D000368:Aged; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004387:Dupuytren Contracture / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005205:Fascia / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000473:pathology; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016896:Treatment Outcome