Dupuytren's
Why ask David Warwick to look after your Dupuytren's
David was awarded a Doctorate in 2020 by the University of Southampton for his research thesis entitled "Dupuytren's Disease – My Journey". He has edited the chapter on Dupuytren's in the 2025 Global textbook Current Practice in Hand Surgery.
David has over 27 years consultant experience in this delicate surgery and is backed up by a first-class team of specialised hand therapists.
David will make sure that you understand all the options available for you. Every cord is different — some are narrow "twigs" suited to a needle, some are thick "logs" best suited to a skin graft. You will be given all options that are suitable with a thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
David has been one of the leading European researchers and clinical practitioners in treating Dupuytren's Contracture for many years. In recognition of this he has been awarded Lifetime Honorary Membership of the International Dupuytren's society. He is one of only two people in Europe so far to be bestowed with this huge honour. In 2015 he edited the European Hand Societies textbook Dupuytren's Disease with over 2000 copies distributed. He has written book chapters and has led several research projects. He has examined 3 PhDs. He has lectured around the world on the clinical and academic aspects of the condition.
David was Chair of the European Advisory board which led to the safe introduction of Xiapex into Europe in 2012. He performed over 550 injections until the drug was withdrawn in December 2019 by the manufacturer for commercial reasons. He is involved in research to provide a new drug.
Read more in David's Dupuytren's-specific CV (PDF).
What are the treatment options?
Leave alone
Not everyone with Dupuytren's needs treatment. If you are small nodule and or a mild contract with no symptoms, there is no harm in waiting. Treatment is still very effective even if the cord gets to 30 or 40°.
Radiotherapy
A few patients are suitable for this treatment. If you have a broad painful plant in the hand or widespread very early disease then this may be an option. David Warwick can refer you to his colleague Dr John Glees or Dr Richard Shaffer.
Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (the "French treatment")
This is the simplest, safest and quickest procedure with the shortest recovery (usually just a few days.) If you have a thin narrow twig then this is very suitable. The recurrence rate however is rather high.
In the outpatient clinic using freezing spray the cord is popped multiple times with a special fine needle. This snapped the cord and allows the finger to go straight.
Xiapex (Collagenase)
Unfortunately this drug has just been withdrawn from the market for commercial reasons. Hopefully one day it will be available again and if so David Warwick will offer this.
Fasciectomy
This is the most common treatment. The surgery is done as a day case. Under high magnification the disease is very carefully removed from your finger and palm. This is very delicate surgery which needs a lot of skill and experience. Most people do very well but it does take 4 to 6 weeks to recover. The recurrence rate is perhaps 15 to 20% in due course. Just occasionally there is a regrettable complication but every care is taken to avoid this.
Dermofasciectomy with skin grafting
This is the most thorough treatment. If the skin is involved (like a "log") then the affected skin is removed. The skin is replaced with a small patch taken from your upper inner arm. It takes six weeks or so to recover; the new skin often makes rehabilitation easier. The recurrence rate is very low — lower than traditional fasciectomy and much lower than needle fasciotomy.
Download the information sheet so you can weigh up the options.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need surgery for Dupuytren’s?
No. Not everyone with Dupuytren’s needs treatment — a small nodule or a mild contracture with no symptoms can safely be watched, and treatment remains very effective even if the cord progresses.
What are the treatment options for Dupuytren’s?
Options range from leaving it alone or radiotherapy through to percutaneous needle fasciotomy, fasciectomy, and dermofasciectomy with skin grafting. The best choice depends on the type of cord, and every suitable option is explained to you.
What is needle fasciotomy?
It is the simplest, safest and quickest procedure, with the shortest recovery — usually just a few days. Using freezing spray the cord is divided with a fine needle in the outpatient clinic. It suits thin cords but has a higher recurrence rate.
Why choose Professor Warwick for Dupuytren’s?
He was awarded a Doctorate for his Dupuytren’s research, holds Lifetime Honorary Membership of the International Dupuytren’s Society, edited the European textbook on the condition, and has over 27 years of consultant experience.