What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive disease that causes your fingers to bend into your palm. The first sign of the condition is usually small lumps in the palm of your hand or at the base of your small fingers or ring finger.
The lumps may gradually turn into cords, stretching into your fingers and making them bend inwards. As the disease advances, it can make it difficult for you to perform daily activities with your hand.
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture isn’t known. Some blame the condition on injuries, but science doesn’t support these claims. Dupuytren’s contracture tends to run in families. It’s especially common in Caucasians, principally those with Northern European heritage.
What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture usually isn’t painful. Common symptoms of the disease include:
- Lumps and pits in your palm
- Bent fingers
- Thick cords running from your palm into one or more fingers, usually the ring or small fingers
In many cases, you may see symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture in both hands. However, each hand can be affected differently.
How is Dupuytren’s contracture treated?
Because Dupuytren’s contracture progresses slowly, Dr. Galpern may want to monitor you over time. If your condition is more serious, you may benefit from treatment to help you regain full use of your hand.
Dr. Galpern may recommend one of the following treatments:
Xiaflex Ⓡ (collagenase clostridium histolyticum)
With this medication used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, Dr. Galpern makes three injections into your hand. Afterwards, you’ll undergo gentle manipulation of your hand within 48 hours to complete the treatment.
Needle aponeurotom
This surgical procedure is performed at Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center. After numbing your hand, Dr. Galpern uses a fine needle to carefully cut away the diseased tissue. Afterwards, you’ll likely have some bruising, but recovery times are generally shorter than with open hand surgery.
In some cases, however, you may need open hand surgery to remove the diseased tissue and restore the use of your hand.
If you have Dupuytren’s contracture and you’ve been searching for options to help you use your hands the way you used to, it’s time to consider help from Dr. Galpern, a board-certified specialist. Call Comprehensive Hand Surgery Center or book a consultation online today.
