The conclusion is provided in diagrammatic form, providing a suggested treatment pathway from history and examination through to operative intervention.

We report long-term outcomes of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis for treatment of severe recurrent joint contractures secondary to Dupuytren’s disease. The patients had at least two previous procedures for Dupuytren’s contracture that involved the same joint, before undergoing joint fusion. Patient demographics, satisfaction, functional outcome, complications, revision and re-operation rates are reported. Eleven patients were included with a mean age of 64 years (range 53–73). The mean proximal interphalangeal joint contracture at presentation was 102° (range 80°–120°). None required revision surgery at a mean of 8 years and 9 months (range 9–199 months). All patients were able to perform their activities of daily living and would recommend this operation to family and friends. This series shows that proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis combined with needle fasciotomy or segmental fasciectomy provides a satisfactory salvage procedure in cases of severe recurrent Dupuytren’s disease. Level of evidence: IV