Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a disorder of the skin and underlying tissue on the palm side of the hand. Thick, scar-like tissue forms under the skin of the palm and may extend into the fingers, pulling them toward the palm and restricting motion. The condition usually develops in mid-life and has no known cause (though it has a tendency to run in families). Surgery is one treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. The surgeon will cut and separate the bands of thickened tissue, freeing the tendons and allowing better finger movement. The operation must be done very precisely, since the nerves that supply the hand and fingers are often tightly bound up in the abnormal tissue. In some cases, skin grafts are also needed to replace tightened and puckered skin. The results of the surgery will depend on the severity of the condition. You can usually expect a thin, fairly inconspicuous scar and significant improvement in function, particularly after hand therapy. We specialize in Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery and related procedures at our Monmouth County office.

A newer approach to treating symptomatic Dupuytren’s disease is the use of Xiaflex. This is a medication that can break down the abnormal cord tissue when it is directly injected into the cord. Like an acid dissolving through a rope, the Xiaflex weakens the cord. The injection is an office procedure that takes a matter of minutes. After 48 to 72 hours, patients return to the office for a “manipulation”. The finger is numbed and then extended until the cord ruptures. See the video below for the satisfying result. This is a nonsurgical treatment so recovery is much faster. Recurrence rate is likely higher than surgery.