WHAT IS IT?
Dupuytrens contracture is a hand deformity that takes several years to develop. This condition cause layers of tissue under the skin of your palm to develop knots. As these layers thicken, they form a cord which causes fingers to be pulled towards this knot. The affected fingers are therefore unable to straighten.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
The cause of this disease is unknown. However, certain factors can contribute to its development such as:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Seizures
- Hereditary
- Being a male over 40
SYMPTOMS
- A visible lumpy appearance (knots) on the surfaces of the palms.
- Fingers that are bent inward towards these knots.
- Inability to straighten fingers.
- Lack of feeling around the area.
- Difficulty in pinching something.
- Restricted range of motion of fingers.
TREATMENT
There is no cure for this disease but the condition is not life threatening. Treatments include medication for pain and surgery.
- Steroid and enzyme injections can help based on your unique diagnosis.
- Fasciotomy: A procedure to divide the cords of the tissues to ease movement of the fingers.
- Subtotal Palmar Fasciectomy: Most of the cord is surgically removed to allow the finger to straighten out. This procedure is followed up with physical therapy.