Regain hand movement with Surgery for Dupuytren’s Contracture
WHY UNDERGO SURGERY FOR DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE?
Benefits of Surgery for Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a hand deformity that develops over the course of several years, usually in older men of Northern European descent. The condition results in one or two fingers being pulled into a bent position, usually the pinkie and/or ring finger. The decision to pursue surgery for this condition is usually due to a very extreme contracture that limits quality of life.
Haruko Okada, MD
Physician & Owner, Stratus Plastic Surgery
Our hands are critical to our enjoyment of life and Stratus understands how debilitating hand conditions and injury can be. As an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeon with Subspecialty Certification in Surgery of the Hand (SOTH, formerly CAQ), Dr. Okada specializes in treating a variety of complex hand conditions, providing results that restore movement and function.
Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dr. Okada will consult with you to determine the best procedure for your surgery. The goal of the procedure is to break apart the cords that have formed beneath the skin, and which are pulling the fingers toward the palm. This can be performed through surgery (fasciectomy) or, in appropriate candidates, collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) injection and cord release a couple of days later. Surgery should result in a release from the condition, though Dupuytren’s disease can return.
Your Questions, Answered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE SURGERY
Who should consider having this surgery?
If non-surgical treatments have failed and the contracture is causing pain or restricting movement, then surgery is the best option.
What are the possible risks of surgery?
As with any surgery, complications and risks are possible. Some of these can include:
Infection
Damage to the surrounding nerves or tendons
Skin loss requiring skin grafting or wound care
Injury to the digital nerves
Temporary numbness of the finger
Recurrence of the disease
How can I prepare for surgery?
There are several things you can do to help your surgical outcome be the best it can be. If you smoke, stop now. Smoking has several effects on blood flow and can delay the healing process after any surgery.
