Dupuytren’s Disease
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a common condition of the hand that causes an involuntary bending of the fingers toward the palm of the hand. This bend is the result of thickened tissue just below the skin of the hand, making it difficult for these complicated joints to move smoothly against one another.
What causes Dupuytren’s contracture?
There is no known cause of Dupuytren’s contracture, though the condition is often seen in individuals who:
- Are over the age of 50
- Use tobacco products
- Are male
- Have a family history of Dupuytren’s contracture
- Frequently consume alcohol
- Are of Northern European descent
- Have diabetes
Clearly, many of the risk factors listed above are not within a person’s control. However, we recommend that individuals limit their alcohol and tobacco usage in order to reduce their risk for this condition.
Typical Signs and Symptoms
Dupuytren’s contracture is most notable by the uncontrollable contraction of the fingers that leads them to bend inward toward the palm. This contraction is enabled by nodules or cords that have formed under the skin. Individuals with Dupuytren’s contracture can often feel these small lumps or pits within their hands.
The pinky and ring fingers are most commonly affected by this hand condition, though it can appear in any finger. It is also possible for Dupuytren’s contracture to present itself in both hands, though it is often more prominent in one hand than the other.
As the condition worsens, so too do its symptoms. Individuals will usually begin to notice their condition is affecting everyday life in that it begins to make even the simplest tasks like writing much more difficult. At this stage, considerable treatment will be needed in order to treat and correct the patient’s hand.
Treatments for Dupuytren’s Contracture
Early intervention is the best remedy to avoiding surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. The condition will progressively worsen over time, though if your symptoms are not yet interfering with daily activities, then intervention may not be necessary. If you are unsure of how to prevent your case of Dupuytren’s contracture from getting worse, be sure to consult with a specialist from Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance right away in order to avoid long-term damage to the hand.
Generally, the goal of the treatment process for Dupuytren’s contracture is to break apart the thickened nodules or cords that have formed within the tissues of the hand. This can be achieved in several different ways.
Needle Aponeurotomy
This particular treatment uses fine needles that are inserted into the hand to help break apart thickened tissues that cause the person’s hand to contract involuntarily. The entire process is absolutely painless, as a topical anesthetic is applied by the doctor beforehand to help numb the area.
Needle aponeurotomy, also called needling, is not a permanent solution, and treatments will typically need to be ongoing to help continually relieve the individual’s symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture.
Direct Injections
Corticosteroids have often been used to reduce swelling and inflammation from painful nodules of the hand. These injections can help to slow the developmental process of Dupuytren’s contracture, though they will not reverse the effects of the condition.
Enzyme injections approved by the FDA are also available. This enzyme is specially designed to break apart the tough, fibrous cords commonly associated with Dupuytren’s contracture. As the enzyme takes effect, your physician will gently stretch the tendons of contracted fingers to restore flexibility and mobility.
Splinting
Another way to stretch the tendons of fingers affected by Dupuytren’s contracture is to regularly wear a splint that forces the fingers to be fully extended. Patients considering splinting should approach this treatment with caution and should not begin using a splint until it is approved by a physician, as forceful manipulation of the fingers can lead to further injury if not administered properly.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is often recommended for individuals with a severe instance of Dupuytren’s contracture, or for those who have not gained satisfactory results from less invasive treatment options. These surgical procedures usually require a significant amount of recovery time, though surgery is still much more suitable for patients who require more immediate and long-lasting relief from their finger contractions.
Schedule a Dupuytren’s Contracture Consultation Today
To learn more about treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physicians in Southeastern Wisconsin.