Dupuytren's cord contracture Notice the pulling of the Dupuytren's cord brings the digital nerve into a dangerous postion for injury with needle release or traditional surgery. In the area of the PIP joint, the lateral contracted tissues may prevent full needle releases of the Dupuytren's cords. In this situation, gentle superficial sectioning, plus firm traction into extension is necessary to ruputure the cord with less risk to the digital nerve.