What is Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where one of your fingers is stuck in a bent position. This makes completing everyday tasks difficult. Though usually painless, it can be difficult to tolerate.
What is the Cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when tissue knots grow beneath the skin and form a firm cord along your finger. As a result, it affects your finger from retracting and extending.
As it progresses, the tissue cord tightens randomly, forcing your fingers back toward your palm.
Usually, the condition progresses through stages. At first, you might notice the skin on your palm feels slightly thicker.
With time, the thick skin can develop an uneven texture with wrinkles and pits that do not match your other hand. You might develop a hard lump under the palm of the skin.
With advanced Dupuytren’s contracture, the lump grows to form a thick cord that extends from the palm to the fingers. The cord can run into one finger or may affect other fingers as well. It is most common on the little finger and ring finger. It sometimes involves the middle finger.
Dupuytren’s syndrome can occur in not only one but both hands. It is more likely after the age 0f 40 and effects more men than women.
What are the Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is not curable, but there are treatment options. If the condition isn’t bothersome, your physician may recommend waiting to see if the condition worsens before initiating treatment.
Many people find relief from corticosteroid injections. This can be beneficial if the condition becomes painful. The steroid is also anti-inflammatory and may slow the progression of the condition.
If injections are ineffective, then surgery is an option to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture. This can help restore your fingers so you can perform everyday tasks. It may not cure the condition, but it can reduce the risk of contractures from developing in the future.
What are the Surgical Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Fasciectomy
With this surgery, the surgeon cuts the thick cord of tissue. It is not removed, but cutting it will relieve the restriction that affects your fingers’ motion. The fasciectomy is done in an outpatient surgery center.
If the wound from the surgery is large, your surgeon may have to graft skin over the wound. Recovery usually involves wearing a splint while the wound heals.
Subtotal Palmer Fasciectomy
A subtotal palmer fasciectomy is similar to a fasciectomy, but the surgeon removes all or most of the contracture. The surgery also removes the mass on the palm. Like a fasciectomy, the surgeon will graft the skin over the wound and is done as an outpatient procedure.
The procedure is more complex, so recovery is usually longer. Physical therapy can significantly help in the recovery process.
Even though the surgery does not cure the condition, it has a high rate of positive outcomes, with patients regaining movement of their fingers. Follow-up surgery is rare, but if the contracture returns, additional procedures are an option.
How Raleigh Orthopedic Surgeons Can Help With Dupuytren’s Contracture
Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center is the largest outpatient surgical center in the triangle. We specialize in orthopedics. Our patients report high patient satisfaction, with successful clinical outcomes.
If you have scheduled surgery at Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center for Dupuytren’s Contracture, you can expect high-quality care and a team that will support you from your initial consultation through your recovery.
Contact us if you have any questions before or after your procedure. We are here for you!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
