Dupuytren's contracture management includes which elements?

• A. Prolonged immobilization
• B. Heat therapy only
• C. No ROM work
• D. Lots of ROM, functional tasks, extension splint at night, wound/scar mgmnt

Answer: (D)

Dupuytren’s contracture management centers on preserving hand function through active restoration of motion and normal use, with ongoing therapy to maintain tendon glide and joint ROM. A key part of this approach is engaging in frequent ROM and functional tasks to keep the fingers flexible and to retrain movement patterns. After treatment or surgery, using an extension splint at night helps hold the fingers in a more extended position, reducing the risk of recurrent contracture. Wound and scar management is also essential to optimize healing, minimize adhesions, and improve hand mobility.

This combination—extensive ROM practice, functional task training, nighttime extension splinting, and careful wound/scar care—best supports long-term function and recovery. Prolonged immobilization would worsen stiffness; heat therapy alone doesn’t address the contracture or maintain extension; and avoiding ROM undermines progress and functional outcomes.