Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that involves the tissue over the palm, in the flexible area of the skin near the base joints of the fingers. Abnormal tissue develops in this area of the joints and can extend into the fingers. This abnormality can cause pits, nodules, and cords to form leading the finger to be pulled inward towards the palm, which is known as a “Dupuytren’s contracture.”
Though, the cause of Dupuytren’s is unknown, there are several risk factors that are associated with this condition.
There are a multitude of treatments depending on the stage of Dupuytren’s. In mild cases observation might only be necessary. As the disease progresses other treatment options are available here at the Fitzmaurice Institute. Steroid injections can be injected into the nodules and can slow the progression of the contracture. Needle aponeurotomy is another option that involves using a small needle to break up the thick cord in the area of the palm, which will then release the contracted finger allowing it to straighten. What is great about both of these options is that they are performed in-office or at our on-site surgical center and have instant relief.
As the disease gets worse it can become very painful and uncomfortable. It may become difficult to wash hands, wear gloves, put your hands into pockets, and shake hands with other people. The traditional surgical option is normally a fasciectomy where an incision is made in your palm and then the cord of tissue is divided. This helps reduce the contracture and increase the movement of the finger that is being pulled down toward the palm.
Dr. Fitzmaurice performs a minimally-invasive fasciectomy where 1-2 small incisions are made versus the typical fasciectomy where a large incision is made. These incisions are less than 1 centimeter in diameter and provides a softer and less painful scar. To reduce the chance of recurrence, accelerate healing, and improving scar tissue, patients are offered the option to incorporate regenerative cell treatment with this procedure.
Studies have shown that this remarkable visualization significantly decreases surgical risks, with zero complications to date in over 4000 procedures performed. EndoTech® results in the least amount of pain and fastest recovery compared to other surgical techniques. This allows for a much higher success rate and a greater overall patient outcome.