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Question answered:29/12/06 Warning! this question is over two years old.
Wikipedia has a chapter on fasciotomy [1], this states:
“Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure in which the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure (resulting in loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle)”
NOTE: Wikipedia is a collaborative online resource with many potential authors. This can have positive and negative implications. We recommend you treat wikipedia articles with an increased level of scepticism.
Patient UK has a chapter on Dupuytren's contracture [2], this reports:
“Open fasciotomy. Fasciotomy simply means cutting the thickened tissue. (Another word for the thickened tissue is called fascia.) Open fasciotomy means that to get to the thickened tissue, the overlying skin is cut open. This allows the surgeon to see the thickened tissue, and then to cut it. The skin is then stitched back together. It is a relatively minor procedure which can be done under local anaesthetic as a 'day case'.
Needle fasciotomy. This is sometimes called needle aponeurotomy. What happens is that the surgeon pushes a fine needle through the skin over the contracture. He or she then uses the sharp bevel of the needle to cut the thickened tissue under the skin. In effect the needle acts like a 'saw' as the surgeon moves the needle too and fro to 'saw' through the thickened tissue. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and can be done in an outpatient clinic.”
NICE have commented on needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren's contracture [3], they state:
“Needle fasciotomy is an outpatient procedure where one or more fibrous bands (contractures) are cut (sectioned) using a blade or a bevel of a needle. Section is achieved by moving the needle in a sawing motion against the fibrous band.”
References
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciotomy
2) http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068725/
3) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG43
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