Aims: Dupuytren’s disease affects the palmar fascia and causes a movement disorder. Treatment varies considerably, and many treatment options exist. This study aimed to determine the extent to which joint range of motion (ROM) increases after surgery and how postoperative rehabilitation affects functional outcomes. 

Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture were analyzed, with a mean follow-up of 12 months. We collected demographic details, affected fingers, surgical techniques, physical therapy status after surgery, and both preoperative and late postoperative joint ROM values. We measured ROM by calculating the total flexion-extension arc of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints with a goniometer. We used paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests for statistical analysis.  

Results: The study included 36 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 65.7 ± 7.8 years. The fourth and fifth fingers were most often affected. The mean increase in postoperative ROM was 37.12 ± 6.45° for patients receiving physical therapy and 29.18 ± 15.55° for those who did not, showing a significant difference between the two groups (p value = 0.029). In both groups, the ROM gains achieved after surgery were mostly maintained at late follow-up.  

Conclusion: Functional ROM achieved after fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture is preserved over the long term. Postoperative physical therapy offers an additional significant improvement in ROM and seems to help maintain functional recovery.  

Keywords: Dupuytren’s contracture, range of motion, rehabilitation