How Digit Widget Improves Fasciectomy Outcome in Severe Contractures

By gently lengthening tight structures before fasciectomy, Digit Widget improves palmar access for safer, more predictable correction of severe finger contracture.

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Digit Widget kit containing traction device parts, brace components, and accessories used to restore motion in a contracted finger.
Hand wearing a Digit Widget device applying extension force to correct a PIP joint flexion contracture.

Why Pre-Surgical Contracture Management Is Critical to Fasciectomy Success

Pre-operative contracture management is essential because stiffness can complicate fasciectomy by limiting palmar access and reducing surgical control. Shortened soft tissues make access more difficult and can elevate the risk of surgical error, soft tissue injury, incomplete release and compromised post-operative recovery.

Patient Testimonials

Matti H

Matti H

My left hand is nearly perfect thanks in large part to your “widget”. Thank you!!
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Linda J

Linda J

As I write this, Flip and Flop have been with me for 9 weeks. My fingers are no longe...
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Rob V

Rob V

Rob’s story begins when he was in his 40’s and noticed swelling in his knuckles a...
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Christine B

Christine B

While walking my dog around our neighborhood, I suffered a fall that caused me to fra...
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Critical Barriers That Complicate Fasciectomy in Severe Finger Contracture Cases

Limited palmar access makes fasciectomy more risky

Shortened soft tissues may restrict finger extension even after fasciectomy

Lengthening soft tissues prior to surgery helps to prevent skin tears and the need for skin grafts

Why Standard Pre-Surgical Approaches Aren’t Always Effective?

  • Hand therapy: Does not provide consistent, sustained soft tissue lengthening, needed to reduce stiffness
  • Traditional splints: Put pressure on the skin causing pain, blister and ischemia
  • Serial casting: Cannot be used for severe contractures where there is no palmar access.

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How Digit Widget Prepares Finger Contracture Safely Before Fasciectomy

Applies gentle skeletal torque to gradually straighten fingers

Lengthens soft tissues without damaging the skin or causing pain

Maintains finger flexion, allowing patients to stay active while wearing the device

Fast outpatient treatment, typically completed in under 20 minutes

Why Digit Widget Stands Out as a Pre-Surgical Preparation for Severe Finger Contractures

Minimally invasive, pain-free treatment

  • 5-10 degrees of PIP joint extension gained per week
  • Avoids the risks associated with injections
  • May be ideal for patients with medical complications

Designed for 24/7 comfort

  • No pressure points, no blisters, no loss of circulation
  • Comfortable and flexible, encouraging high compliance
  • Lightweight for continuous wear

Activity encouraged, not restricted

  • Preserves flexion and functional use of the hand
  • Reduces stiffness and enhances range of motion
  • Supports everyday tasks and light activity during treatment

Effective and ready to use

  • Single-use, sterile system with everything needed for ease of use
  • Proven results from more than 19,000 cases

Digit Widget Case Studies

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 1

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves an 83-year-old man with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the PIP and MCP joints of his long and ring fingers. He has had no prior surgery. The patient sought treatment because he was no longer able to hold a golf club. Prior to performing a fasciectomy, Dr. Agee decided to use Digit Widgets on both affected fingers to facilitate access to the palm and fingers. The Digit Widgets were applied and the Dupuytren’s bands in the palm were cut, but not excised.

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

Case Study - 2

Trauma

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

A 35 year-old man injured his right ring finger during a martial arts training session. Nine months later, he was referred for treatment of a persistent finger deformity that was painful and limited hand function. Previous attempts at serial plaster casting and dynamic splints failed to improve the finger’s ROM.

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Case Study - 3

Trauma

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Six months prior to being referred to Dr. Escalante, this female patient hyperextended her ring finger. Prior splinting had not been successful in reducing her contracture and she presented with a 90º flexion contracture of her ring finger PIP joint.

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

Case Study - 4

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

This patient is a healthy 60 year old white male who presented with isolated bilateral severe contractures of the small finger PIP joints (~110º) from Dupuytren’s disease.

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 5

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves a 73 year-old female with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the MCP and PIP joint of the little finger on her left hand. She had no prior surgeries on the left hand. Before surgery, her MCP joint lacked 75º and the PIP joint lacked 80º. During surgery a fasciectomy was performed and one Digit Widget was applied.

Prepare for a safer fasciectomy for severe contractures with Digit Widget.

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FAQs

Why would my surgeon use Digit Widget before a fasciectomy?

Surgeons may use it to lengthen soft tissues and improve palmar access in a very stiff finger contracture. This helps make the fasciectomy safer, more complete, and less stressful on your finger during surgery and recovery.

Does Digit Widget replace the need for finger surgery or fasciectomy?

In most cases, Digit Widget does not replace finger surgery or fasciectomy. It is used as a pre-operative preparation device to improve the range of motion and tissue flexibility. In some cases, it may help surgeons better diagnose the underlying cause of the contracture or reduce the extent of surgical intervention needed, but it does not eliminate the need for surgery when it is clinically required to reverse a force imbalance at the joint.

How long do I need to wear Digit Widget before my procedure?

The duration depends on the severity of the finger contracture and your surgeon’s treatment plan. Digit Widget is designed for continuous 24/7 wear and is comfortable enough to support daily activity without restricting motion. Your surgeon will determine how long it should be worn based on how quickly the soft tissues respond to gradual extension. Every finger responds at its own pace.