Dupuytrens ContracturePronounced: du-pwe-trahn kon-trak-choor by Rick Alan DefinitionDupuytrens contracture is a thickening and shortening of the fascia in the palm of the hand. The fascia is a firm tissue that lies just below the skin. This condition causes affected fingers to curl towards the palm and makes extension of these fingers difficult or impossible. Dupuytren's Contracture Scarring Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesThe exact cause of Dupuytrens contracture is unknown. For some people, the condition is inherited. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
SymptomsAt first, symptoms are mild, but they may become progressively worse. The rate of progression varies among people. The ring finger is usually affected first, followed by the little finger, then the index, and long finger. Fingers on either or both hands can be affected. The first sign of this condition is a nodule in the palm near the base of a finger. A nodule is a small thickening of the fascia under the skin. In some cases, nodules can be sensitive to touch. Generally, though, this condition is not painful. As a contracture progresses, the nodule becomes a thickened fibrous cord that extends into the finger under the skin. As the cord thickens and shortens, the affected finger is pulled (curled) in towards the palm. It becomes difficult or impossible to extend the finger. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A hand examination will be done. In some cases, x-rays may be taken as well. TreatmentNo treatment is necessary when symptoms are mild and do not effect normal use of the hand. In other cases, treatment may include: SurgerySurgery is most effective when the condition is still in the nodule stage. Depending on how far the condition has progressed, surgery may involve:
Exercise Therapy After SurgeryThis is usually needed to restore full range of motion and use of the repaired finger(s). Dupuytrens contracture can recur after surgery. Injected MedicationInjecting corticosteroids into nodules during early stages of the condition can sometimes:
Another medicine that can be injected is called collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex). This biologic drug breaks down the thickened tissue in the hand. If you are diagnosed with Dupuytrens contracture, follow your doctor's instructions. PreventionThere are no guidelines to prevent Dupuytrens contracture. Its cause is unknown. However, treatment is made easier and more effective with early detection. American Academy of Family Physicians American Society for Surgery of the Hand Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Health Canada Dupuytren disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated January 17, 2012. Accessed October 23, 2012. Rahr L, et al. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy for primary Dupuytren's contracture. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2011 Sep;36(7):548-52. van Rijssen AL, et al. Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial on treatment in Dupuytren's disease: percutaneous needle fasciotomy versus limited fasciectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg . 2012 Feb;129(2):469-77. 2/12/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us : FDA approves Xiaflex for debilitating hand condition. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov... . Published February 2, 2010. Accessed February 12, 2010. Last reviewed March 2013 by John C. Keel, MD |
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