Dupuytren’s disease (also called Dupuytren’s contracture) is a condition that is diagnosed in middle age or later and is more common in men than women.
Dupuytren’s affects the tissue under the skin of your palm or your fingers called the fascia. It becomes thicker and less flexible. Over time, the affected fascia can make your fingers bend towards your palm. This bending is called a contracture. Dupuytren’s can be very uncomfortable or painful.
There is no cure yet for Dupuytren’s disease. Treatment can help to straighten your fingers and may improve the use of your hand, but it does not cure the disease.
What Causes This Disease? The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture isn’t known, but it is believed to run in families. Most commonly found in patients of Northern European descent, it’s sometimes referred to as Viking disease and can be traced back centuries. There is a greater risk for this condition if :
Surgery For Dupuytren’s Contracture is generally not needed if your fingers can be straightened fully. It becomes necessary when it’s impossible for you to stretch your hand out flat out. Dr. Pournaras can discuss with you, your options on the type of surgery that is best to treat your condition. The procedure can be done under local, regional (injection of local anesthetic at the shoulder) or general anesthetic.
Surgical Options:
Fasciotomy
The contracted cord of Dupuytren’s disease is simply cut in the palm, in the finger or in both.
Segmental Fasciectomy
Short segments of the cord are removed through one or more small incisions.
Regional Fasciectomy
Through a single longer incision, the entire cord is removed.
Dermofasciectomy
The cord is removed together with the overlying skin and the skin is replaced with a graft taken usually from the upper arm. This surgery is usually the best option for the recurrent of the disease, or for extensive disease in a younger patient to help prevent recurrence.
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When the nodules start to appear in the ligaments just beneath the skin of your palm of your hand, in some cases they extend to form cords that can prevent your finger straightening completely. The nodules and cords may be associated with small pits in your skin. Nodules over the back of the finger knuckles (Garrod’s knuckle pads) and lumps on the soles of the feet are also indications of patients with Dupuytren’s disease.
After Your Surgery, your hand is fitted with a splint to be worn at night.
Hand therapy is important in recovering movement and function, especially for more extensive surgery and skin grafts.
These surgeries are often followed by hand therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve function. We offer this therapy as well.
Our orthopedic practice specializes in hand surgery, and we offer state-of-the-art nonsurgical and surgical care to treat a full range of hand and finger injuries and conditions.
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For questions about your medical insurance coverage, please contact Rebecca St. Peter (Certified Billing Specialist) [email protected] or call 703.591.0077.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr., M.D. utilizes the latest technology and cutting-edge procedures to treat a broad spectrum of orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries, and work-related injuries.
By preforming operative and non-operative procedures, our goal is to use the latest and most minimally invasive techniques that allows our patients a rapid return to a full and active life.
“What is important to us as a practice is superior patient outcomes and unmatched patient satisfaction. We pride ourselves in being patient advocates, going the extra mile to ensure that the care delivered to our patients is best of that medicine as to offer.”
“I believe in a team-oriented approach to treatment, which often involves physical and occupational therapists to maximize functional outcome for all my patients.” Dr. Pournaras
Trust orthopedic specialists, Stephen W. Pournaras, MD & David Park, PA-C to help you recovery from conditions like golfers elbow, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome etc. Expert care for upper extremities conditions.
Read more about our comprehensive range of advanced treatment options for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder issues designed to provide pain relief. Make your appointment today!
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100 Fairfax, Va 22033
Mon 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tue 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
