Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s Contracture a condition when one or more fingers of the hand start to bend first slightly and then over time, the fingers remain bent permanently. The fingers then can no longer be straightened and cause some pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the Dupuytren’s Contracture when ignored could elevate the condition. The condition starts from the palm and moves towards the finger. It is most commonly observed in the ring finger. The common symptoms are:

  • Thickening or nodule
  • Stiffness in the fingers
  • Loss of finger movement
  • Inability to hold objects
  • Numbness

Causes

The cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture is not exactly unknown. As per statistics, men are more prone to this condition rather than women. Though the following could be pointed out as issues that could cause the condition:

  • A family history of Dupuytren’s Contracture
  • Hand injury history
  • Smoking and Alcoholism, 
  • Thyroid issues
  • Liver Conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Nervous system disorder conditions

Diagnosis Dupuytren’s Contracture

  • A physical examination is conducted by the doctor on the affected hand. The type could be identified as Aggressive, Normal or mild.

    Tests to find out conditions of diabetes and thyroid could be necessary. Other tests, whether required or not, depend on patient to patient and must be recommended by the consulting doctor.

    Only after studying the detailed diagnosis reports, the doctors could proceed to the treatment.

Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture

  • Repetitive treatment could be necessary to cure A Dupuytren’s Contracture condition in some cases. Treatment could be:

    • Physical therapy (for mild conditions)
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Needle aponeurotomyor percutaneous needle fasciotomy procedure
    • Medication (Certain injections to soften the tissues)
    • Surgery

    A Dupuytren’s Contracture pain, which is not healing even after non surgical remedies, could be treated by surgery as per the doctor’s suggestion after the diagnosis.
    The surgery could involve loosening of tissues by making an incision over the palm and working on the hand tendons (Remove or relax the tissues). A slight swelling and pain is expected to be experienced after the surgery. It has been the most common method for Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment.

Recovery after treatment

The recovery after the surgery could take up to 3 months that depends upon the number of fingers affected and the extent of the condition.

A hand splint (strap) is advised to be put after the surgery. Physiotherapy and medication are must after the surgery. This allows the hands muscle to strengthen and prevent stiffness and gain back the lost motion. Most patients d not face any issues or complications after surgery and get recovered effortlessly.

Dr Parth Agrawal at The Upper Limb Clinic, Thane west, is dedicated clinic for all diseases related to Knee, Hand, Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist. Contact us today for Dupuytren’s Contracture condition to get better and accurate treatment.