Plastic Surgery Journal 1959 vol 24, p. 505
Alex Kelly Jr Detroit

"Subcutaneous fasciotomy was first suggested for the treatment of flexion contracture of the fingers by Sir Astley Cooper in 1822. He wrote "... but when the aponeurosis is the cause of the contraction and the contracted band is narrow, it may be with advantage divided by a pointed bistoury, introduced through a very small wound in the integument. The finger is extended and a splint is applied to preserve it in a straight position". This procedure fell into disrepute through the years because it was indiscriminately applied to all cases of contracture; but Luck has recentrly reintroduced it and it has achieved limited popularity. Having perused 20 papers, published since Skoog's monograph in 1948, on the surgical treatment of flexion contracture, we find that fasciotomy is either not mentioned at all or condemned. the radical fasciectomy, on the other hand, is given not merely as the procedure of choice but is considrered the only satisfactory surgical treatment. This blind adherence to a single procedure for the treatment of a disease that has many individual variations and several stages of development shows an infaturation with a technical exercise that does not properly answer each patient's need.

Thought you would find this interesting!
Ketih Denkler MD