Every three to five years, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB review its clinical policies to ensure they reflect the latest evidence-based guidance and best practice. We are currently reviewing the following policies and would welcome your views on the proposed changes.
Please share your feedback by completing the short questionnaire.
The is a genetic disorder that makes the tissue under the skin of your palms and fingers thicken and tighten, leading to bent fingers that cannot straighten completely.
The policy has been revised to reflect the withdrawal of collagenase clostridium histolyticum from the European market. Other key changes include the removal of requirements for the contracture degree and the introduction of mandatory patient counselling on treatment options. Surgery eligibility now requires functional impairment or rapid disease progression. Amputation has also been added as a treatment option, counselling must reference specific surgical techniques, and examples of functional impairment have been included to support prior approval decisions.
The new policy wording is proposed as:
1. Needle fasciotomy, limited fasciectomy, dermofasciectomy and amputation for Dupuytren’s disease are routinely commissioned when:
a. There is a contracture that significantly impairs function (for example, the use of the fingers is significantly impacted)
OR
b. There is rapidly progressive disease.
2. The following information about the specific surgical technique chosen should be discussed with the patient:
a. The likelihood of recurrence
b. The risk of complications
c. The length of wound healing and probability of scarring
d. The likelihood that surgery will not result in complete resolution.
Exclusions
· Collagenase injections have been excluded from this policy, as they are no longer available in the UK
Please note this survey closes at midnight on Friday 26 December 2025.