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. Dupuytren’s contracture Treatment can help to straighten your fingers and may improve the use of your hand, but it does not cure the disease.
If you are experiencing Dupuytren’s Contracture and need treatment, please contact us at Fair Oaks Ortho. Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras & our professional medical staff have a great knowledge of the complex network of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up your hand and wrist and can help you to recover by simply contacting us today.
When the nodules start to appear in the ligaments just beneath the skin of the palm of your hand, in some cases, they extend to form cords that can prevent your finger from 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.
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.
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.
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.
For over 30 years, Virginia Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. has provided excellent healthcare and treatment for his patients. As a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, offering the best for you medically to treat, heal and lead you to optimum recovery. We are dedicated to using state-of-the-art technology while building nurturing relationships with each of our patients.
Contact Us Today.
