Give a Gift CertificateDupuytren's Contracture - Back to Hand Surgery
Dupuytren's Contracture
lmost everyone knows someone whose fingers have slowly curled into
their hand. This is typically seen in older men, although it occassionally appears in women
as well. Patients find they slowly develop a hard scar-like band which runs from the palm
of their hand outward to the fingers. Usually the ring or little finger is first involved.
The band progressively tightens, causing the fingers to curl inward.
This scarring, called "Dupuytren's Contracture," is a disorder of the deeper tissues of the palm. With time the fingers may be completely immobilized and bent inward, severely restricting everyday activities. Patients find it difficult not only to grasp things, but also to perform simple motions like putting their hands in their pockets or slipping on gloves.
Correction requires excision of this scar band, along with skin rearrangement. Post-operative physical therapy may be necessary. The procedure can take 30-60 minutes, and it may be 3-4 weeks before the hand again feels and moves normally. Depending on the severity of the problem, surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia in either the office or the hospital.