Dupuytrens Contracture

AKA Dupuytren’s contracture, this is a condition caused by thickening of the tissue underneath the skin in the hand, called ‘palmar fascia‘.

What are the symptoms of Dupuytrens contracture?

  • Not being able to lay your palm flat on a table

  • One or more small lumps (nodules) in the palm.

  • The nodules may thicken and contract or tighten.

  • Fingers are pulled towards the palm.

  • Difficulty with putting hands in your pockets or combing hair.

How is Dupuytren’s contracture treated?

There is no cure for Dupuytren’s contracture.

Many people do not find that the condition affects their function, and do not require treatment, especially if you’re able to put your hand flat on the table.

However, if the contracture is beginning to interfere with daily life, such as putting your hand in a pocket, holding tools, or doing work activities- you would benefit from reaching out to a specialist.

Treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture may include:

Surgery: The most common treatment for advanced cases. During surgery, the surgeon makes a cut (incision) in your hand and takes out the thickened tissue to improve finger mobility.

Radiation therapy. This treatment is not as common in the U.S. Low energy X-rays are directed at the nodules. This works best in the early stage of the disease. It can soften the nodules and help keep contractures from happening.

Enzyme injection. Enzyme medication is injected into the lump/cord. Over several hours, the enzyme breaks down and dissolves the tough bands. At a second visit, your physician will inject the hand with numbing medication and stretch the finger joints until the cord is released.

Needle aponeurotomy. Medicine is injected into the area to numb the hand. The surgeon uses a needle to divide the diseased tissue.

Hand therapy is often utilized after surgery or injections. Treatment will involve the following:

  • An splint (orthosis) to keep the fingers from pulling back into the palm. It will keep your fingers straight and will be likely worn at night.

  • Management of your Swelling.

  • Scar tissue Management.

  • Wound Care.

  • Exercises to maintain finger mobility and prevent tendons from getting stuck in scar tissue.