The trend towards conservativism in the management of Dupuytren's contracture has resulted in less radical surgery than was previously advocated to release disabling contractures of the fingers. 38 cases of Dupuytren's contracture in the palm have been treated by Z-plasty of skin and underlying contracted band without fasciectomy. Proximal interphalangeal joint contractures were treated by fasciectomy and skin closure with Z-plasties as required. Only one of 16 patients reviewed after two years had evidence of recurrence. Skin compliance has been measured and a return to near-normal levels was found in all but the one patient with a recurrence.