Dupuytren's
Disease

Table of Contents

What is Dupuytren’s Disease?

Duputren’s disease causes an abnormal thickening of the tissues located underneath the skin in the palm. As the Tissue thickens it can form lumps and strong cords. the abnormal growth causes the fingers to bend inward towards the palm of the hand.

What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease?

Severe symptoms can cause contractures. Contractures are the stiffening of muscles, skin, or connective tissue. Another severe symptom is the loss of hand function. Dupuytren’s disease generally progresses slowly, but progression is unpredictable. The onset of Dupuytren’s disease is very slow. Both hands may be affected but usually one hand is more affected than the other.
You may notice a small tender lump in the palm of your hand. The tenderness will go away as Dupuytren’s disease typically is not painful. Over time, tough cords may form beneath your skin. The thickened tissue may cause your fingers to bend inward toward your palm. Your ring finger and little finger are affected most often. You may have difficulty straightening your fingers.
The progression of Dupuytren’s disease is unpredictable. For some, the condition may consist of a lump or thickening of the tissue. Other people may experience severe symptoms, including contractures and loss of hand function.

Dupuytren's Disease Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery
A closer look at dupuytren's disease in its various stages.

WHAT CAUSES DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE?

The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is unknown. It may be associated with abnormal biochemical processes in the palmar fascia. It is more common in people of Northern European descent. It occurs more frequently in men than in women. Dupuytren’s disease is rare among young people and more common in people over 40 years old. If it occurs in young people, rarely, but, the condition tends to be very severe and quickly progressing for younger individuals.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE?

Smoking and drinking alcohol increase the risk of Dupuytren’s disease treatment. Certain medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of Dupuytren’s disease. Those conditions include diabetes, thyroid problems, epilepsy, pulmonary tuberculosis, and liver disease.

HOW IS DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE DIAGNOSED?

Your doctor can diagnose Dupuytren’s disease by examining your hand. You should tell your doctor about any symptoms and if they restrict the use of your hand. Your doctor will look at and feel the skin on the palm of your hand for thickened tissue or nodules. Your doctor will observe your finger positioning and test the movement of your finger joints. You may be asked to perform the Table Top Test, in which you will attempt to place your open hand on a surface and flatten your palm and fingers out as far as you can. This will be difficult in the presence of finger contractures.
Dupuytren's Disease Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery

What is the Dupuytren’s disease treatment?

There is no way to stop the progression of Dupuytren’s disease. Your doctor will monitor the progress of your disease

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to increase the movement of your fingers and restore their correct positions to improve hand functioning.

NON-SURGICAL

Injections may help relieve the pain in a lump that has formed early in the disease process. Surgery is recommended if the fingers become flexed enough to interfere with the functional use of your hand. Injectable enzymes to dissolve the diseased tissue were FDA approved in 2010. The product is called Xiaflex. Studies and ongoing use of the enzyme have shown success in treating finger contractures caused by Dupuytren’s Disease.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

There are several different options for this. Your surgeon may simply divide the thickened bands in a procedure called fasciotomy. Your surgeon may remove the sheet of diseased palmar fascia in a procedure called fasciectomy. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?

Following Dupuytren’s disease treatment surgery, you will participate in rehabilitation with a hand therapist who will instruct you in strengthening and stretching exercises. You may receive therapy treatments to reduce swelling and ease pain. Your hand therapist will provide you with a splint to position your hand and promote healing.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease, please contact Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery for a consultation. Our caring staff will be honored to take care of you.

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