Dupuytren's Contracture  Surgery

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:

• A hard lump or nodule in the palm (often the first sign)

• Thickened cords of tissue forming in the palm

• One or more fingers bending towards the palm

• Difficulty gripping, shaking hands, or laying the hand flat

• 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.

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.