Dupuytren’s contracture is a disabling hand disorder in which thick, scar-like tissue bands form under the skin of the palm. These tissues contract so that tendons connected to the fingers cannot extend freely. The ring and little fingers are most often affected. There is no known cause for Dupuytren’s contracture. Other than the physical impairment it causes, Dupuytren’s contractures are benign and painless.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
How It’s Done
Through zigzag incisions across the palm, the surgeon excises the excessive scar-like tissue in the palm. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of thickened tissue in the palm, but it often takes around 1 hour to complete. This procedure involves a general anesthetic or arm nerve block with sedation.
What To Expect
This is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient may return home the same day. Patients will experience minimal discomfort they can control with an oral medication. Full recovery can take months, although a patient may never achieve a full range of motion. To improve finger flexibility after surgery, physiotherapy is an absolute necessity. The vast majority of patients recover well with much-improved hand function.
We provide detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions at Western Surgery Centre.
Additional Information
Our goal is to provide you with the information required to ease the decision-making process.
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