Dupuytren’s Contracture can be a painful and frustrating condition that can affect routine hand function. If you’d like to learn more about this surgery, read on.
What is Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery?
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition of thickened fascia (a fibrous tissue layer) that has tightened over time in the hands. This causes a pulling and stiffening of the fingers towards the palms of the hands. As the disease progresses it can affect routine hand function. The goal of surgery is to reduce that contracture and improve motion to the fingers along with overall hand function. Our surgeons can correct this for you with one of two types of surgeries performed: fasciotomy and/or subtotal palmar fasciectomy.
The Treatment
After an in-depth consultation and review your surgeon will discuss with you which type of surgery is right for you.
Fasciotomy
The fasciotomy surgical procedure is performed under local anesthetic. Your surgeon will make an incision in the palm of your hand and then will divide the contracture chords of tissue to relieve the pulling. This will help in decreasing the contracture and increase mobility of the affected finger(s). Post-surgery you will be required to wear a splint and the wound is generally left open to heal gradually.
Subtotal Palmer Fasciectomy
Subtotal palmar fasciectomy is a longer and more complicated procedure. It too, is performed under local anesthetic to numb the entire hand. Your surgeon will make an incision with intent to remove the maximum amount possible of abnormal tissue and cord(s), to allow fingers to straighten. Most often the incisions are made in a ‘zig-zag’ form following the natural creases of the hand. Depending on each case, the wound may be left open to heal naturally or a skin graft may be required to help the wound heal.
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