How to Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s Contracture is the name of a condition in which the tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers thickens and tightens to the point where the fingers involuntarily curl.

This condition spreads slowly. It usually originates in the palm and spreads into the fingers like a vine.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s

• Lumps: small, tender lumps form in the palm of the hand. The tenderness usually goes away.
• Bands of tissue: the lumps can thicken and contract, forming bands of tissue under the skin.
• Flexed fingers: one or more fingers curl involuntarily. As the bend of the fingers increases, it will be harder to straighten the fingers.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Dupuytren’s

• Splints: not recommended since they can speed the progression of the contracture and will not prevent the curl of the fingers.
• Steroid injections: injections of corticosteroid help relieve the tenderness of the lumps and in some cases might prevent the progression of the contracture.
• XIAFLEX injection: the patient receives an injection of an enzyme designed to break the tissue bands causing the contracture. After 24 to 48 hours, the patient returns to the specialist’s office where the doctor will manipulate the hand in order to release the fingers from their contracture.

Surgical Treatment of Dupuytren’s

• Open surgery: consists of dividing or removing the thickened bands to help relieve tenderness and restore motion to the fingers. Sometimes, the wound is left open and allowed to heal gradually. There is usually scarring and skin grafting may be needed.
• Needle Aponevrotomy: this is the least invasive surgical option available. A small needle is used to pierce the skin over the tight band in order to release the contracture. Results have proven successful and the recurrence rate is low.

The specialists at Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas are trained to accurately recommend and perform all surgical and non-surgical treatments. If you are suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture, make an appointment today!