For private consultations call 0330 1331 464 or email info@rikkimistry.com
Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery
Dupuytren's contracture (pronounced doo-pwee-TRANZ) causes the fingers to bend progressively towards the palm, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
Mr Rikki Mistry, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, offers specialist Dupuytren's contracture surgery and treatment at private clinics in East Grinstead, Chatham, and Tunbridge Wells.
What Is Dupuytren's Contracture?
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition in which tissue beneath the skin of the palm thickens and tightens over time, forming cords that gradually pull one or more fingers into a bent position. It most commonly affects the ring and little fingers, and tends to progress slowly over months or years.
Also known as 'Vikings disease' due to its prevalence in people of Northern European descent, the condition can run in families.
Common signs include:
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A hard lump or nodule in the palm (often the first sign)
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Thickened cords of tissue forming in the palm
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One or more fingers bending towards the palm
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Difficulty gripping, shaking hands, or laying the hand flat
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Inability to fully straighten the affected finger(s)
Is Dupuytren's contracture painful? In most cases the condition is not painful, though the nodules can be tender, especially in the early stages. The main impact is loss of hand function as the fingers become increasingly bent.
Dupuytren's Contracture surgery - What to expect
The most effective treatment for Dupuytren's contracture is a fasciectomy - surgical removal of the thickened tissue and cords from the palm. This allows the finger to straighten and restores function to the hand. The procedure is performed under local or regional anaesthetic.
Mr Mistry will discuss all treatment options, including non-surgical approaches where appropriate, at your consultation.
Mr Mistry holds clinics at convenient locations across Kent and East Sussex. Specialist private care is available close to home.
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East Grinstead
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Chatham
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Tunbridge Wells
Why Choose Mr Rikki Mistry?
Private Carpal Tunnel Surgery - Kent & East Sussex
Mr Mistry is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in hand and wrist surgery. Patients choose him for his combination of advanced surgical expertise, clear communication, and genuine care for their outcomes.
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BAPRAS and BSSH member
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Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
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Specialist in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, and ganglion cyst removal
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Fee Assured - charges within your health insurer's benefit limits (Bupa, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, AXA and more)
FAQ: Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery
What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but Dupuytren's contracture is strongly genetic and runs in families. It is most common in people of Northern European descent. Risk factors include a family history of the condition, older age, male sex, diabetes, heavy alcohol use and certain anti-epileptic medications.
Is Dupuytren's contracture painful?
In most cases, the condition is not significantly painful. The nodules that appear in the early stages can be tender to the touch. The main impact of Dupuytren's contracture is functional: difficulty straightening the fingers and performing everyday tasks.
What is a fasciectomy?
A fasciectomy is the surgical removal of the thickened cords and abnormal tissue from the palm. It is the most effective treatment for Dupuytren's contracture. The procedure is performed under local or regional anaesthetic and allows the finger to straighten. Most patients go home the same day.
How long is recovery after Dupuytren's surgery?
The wound typically heals within two to three weeks. Most patients can use the hand for light activities within two to four weeks. Full recovery of movement and strength usually takes six to twelve weeks, with continued improvement over several months.
Will Dupuytren's contracture come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible, particularly in patients with a strong family history, younger age at onset or rapidly progressive disease. However, surgery provides good long-term results for most patients, and repeat treatment is possible if recurrence occurs.
Is private Dupuytren's surgery covered by insurance?
Yes. Dupuytren's contracture surgery is covered by most private health insurers. Mr Mistry is fee assured, meaning he charges within your insurer's benefit limits. Patients covered by Bupa, Vitality, Aviva, AXA, WPA and others can be seen without additional charges beyond their benefit limits.
Where are Mr Mistry's Dupuytren's clinics?
Mr Rikki Mistry holds specialist hand surgery clinics in East Grinstead, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells. He sees patients from across Kent and East Sussex.