What is Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease, also known as Dupuytren’s contracture, is a benign condition that affects the fibrous sheet of tissue called the fascia. The fascia is a flexible connective tissue that surrounds and supports every part of your body. Dupuytren’s disease causes the fascia in the hand to thicken and become less flexible. Over many months or years, this can cause one or more of the fingers to bend toward the palm. Dupuytren’s can affect one or both hands.
The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not fully understood, but it is more common in men than in women and often runs in families. It is more common in people of Northern European descent.
What is needle fasciotomy?
Needle fasciotomy is a minimally invasive treatment for Dupuytren’s disease (Dupuytren’s contracture), a condition in which the tissue beneath the skin of the palm thickens into tight cords that gradually pull one or more fingers towards the palm. Using a fine needle, your surgeon divides these cords through tiny puncture points in the skin so the finger can straighten, and it is most often recommended for mild to moderate contractures.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic as an outpatient, with no large incisions, so most patients go home the same day and return to light activities with little downtime. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this procedure to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is needle fasciotomy suitable for?
- Patients with firm lumps or cords in the palm that are pulling one or more fingers inwards
- Difficulty laying the hand flat on a table or straightening the fingers fully
- Mild to moderate Dupuytren’s contracture affecting everyday tasks such as shaking hands, wearing gloves or putting a hand in a pocket
- Patients who want a quicker recovery than open surgery and are suitable for a local anaesthetic procedure
Your consultant will assess your individual case, including which fingers are affected and how far they have bent, before recommending whether needle fasciotomy or another approach is right for you.
Needle Fasciotomy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide needle fasciotomy as part of our comprehensive hand surgery services. Our skilled surgeons assess each patient’s condition to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Why choose us for needle fasciotomy?
- Expert Hand Surgeons: Our consultants have extensive experience in treating Dupuytren’s contracture with needle fasciotomy and other advanced methods.
- Minimally Invasive Procedure: Needle fasciotomy allows for quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
- Modern Facilities: Our facility is equipped with the latest medical equipment, enabling our specialists to perform precise diagnoses and deliver effective treatments.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and across London.
We are committed to helping you regain hand function and confidence with personalised and expert care.
Consultants who perform Needle Fasciotomy in London
How Much Does Private Needle Fasciotomy Cost?
from £2,075*
The cost of private needle fasciotomy starts from £2,075* at St John & St Elizabeth’s Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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Dupuytren's contracture surgery (one finger) |
£2,075* |
|---|---|
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Dupuytren's contracture surgery (palm only) |
£1,550* This is a minor ops guide price |
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Dupuytren's contracture surgery (multiple fingers) |
£2,525* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Needle Fasciotomy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private needle fasciotomy (needle aponeurotomy) at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £1,550* for the palm only, £2,075* for one finger and £2,525* for multiple fingers. The final cost depends on how many places in your hand need treating and your individual clinical needs.
Needle fasciotomy is a short outpatient procedure. The time it takes depends on how many fingers are treated, but most patients are in and out on the same day.
The palm is numbed with local anaesthetic first, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure or pulling as the cord is released. Your hand may feel sore or bruised for a few days afterwards, which can usually be managed with simple pain relief.
Because the procedure uses tiny puncture points rather than large incisions, most patients go home the same day and return to light activities quickly. Your consultant may advise a splint or hand exercises to help maintain movement, and will give you personalised guidance on returning to work and driving.
Needle fasciotomy is usually recommended when Dupuytren’s contracture is mild to moderate and is starting to affect everyday tasks, such as being unable to lay your hand flat on a table. Your consultant will examine your hand to confirm whether it is the right option for you.
Dupuytren’s contracture usually starts as firm lumps or thickened cords in the palm, which can gradually pull one or more fingers, most often the ring and little fingers, towards the palm. You may find it difficult to straighten your fingers, lay your hand flat, or carry out tasks such as shaking hands or putting on gloves.
Your hand is numbed with local anaesthetic, and your surgeon then uses a fine needle to divide the thickened cords through tiny puncture points in the skin. Once the cords are released, the finger is gently straightened.
Needle fasciotomy releases the cords through tiny puncture points under local anaesthetic, while open surgery (fasciectomy) involves an incision in the hand to remove the thickened tissue. Needle fasciotomy generally means a quicker recovery, whereas open surgery may be recommended for more advanced contractures. Your consultant will explain which is better suited to you.
Dupuytren’s disease is an ongoing condition, so the thickened tissue can return over time, and some patients need further treatment in future. Your consultant will discuss the likelihood of recurrence and what to look out for.
Medically reviewed by Mr Alistair Hunter - MA MBBS MSc FRCS (Tr&Orth) FHEA Dip Hand Surg on 6/11/2026