Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s Contracture

• It is a condition in which small, usually painless, lumps or bands form under the skin of the palm and fingers
• It results from the formation of localized scar-like tissue in the palm.
• The precise cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not known, but it is thought to be inherited and is found in Anglo-Saxons.
• It most commonly affects the ring (fourth) finger, but can affect any and all fingers and may affect one or both hands.
• As the condition progresses, it can become increasingly difficult to fully extend the affected finger from a bent position, and can result in a loss of normal grasp.

Treatment :

• The treatment of Dupuytren contracture depends on the severity of the symptoms and condition of the patient.
• Treatments include stretching, heat, ultrasound, and surgical procedures.
• Surgical procedures can remove the scarred tissue to free the fingers, and return function to a disabled hand.
• Alternatively the scarred tissue can be release by carefully cutting it with a needle. This procedure is referred to as a needle fasciotomy.