Dupuytren's contracture surgery and its benefits

Leading orthopaedic surgeon Mr Senthooran Raja details Dupuytren's contracture and the positive results surgery can bring in this informative article. 

What is Dupuytren's contracture?

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that affects the connective tissue in the palm of the hand. It causes the fingers to bend inward toward the palm, making it difficult to straighten them fully. This condition typically progresses slowly over time and can eventually interfere with daily activities such as grasping objects and performing tasks that require manual dexterity.

When is surgery recommended for Dupuytren's contracture?

Surgery for Dupuytren's contracture may be recommended when the condition causes significant discomfort, interferes with hand function, or affects the patient's quality of life. The decision to undergo surgery is based on various factors, including the severity of the contracture, the degree of finger bending, and the patient's overall health and lifestyle.

What are the benefits of Dupuytren's contracture surgery?

Corrects finger deformity

• Straightening the fingers: Surgery aims to release the tight bands of tissue (contractures) that cause the fingers to bend inward, allowing the affected fingers to be straightened and improving hand function.

Restores hand function

• Improved grip strength: By straightening the fingers, surgery can improve grip strength and enable patients to perform daily activities more comfortably, such as grasping objects, typing, and writing.
• Enhanced dexterity: Straightening the fingers can also enhance manual dexterity and allow patients to perform more delicate tasks with greater ease.

Relieves pain and discomfort

• Reduces pain: Surgery can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with Dupuytren's contracture, particularly if the contracture causes the fingers to press against the palm or other structures in the hand.

Prevents disease progression

• Slows or halts disease progression: While surgery may not cure Dupuytren's contracture, it can slow or halt the progression of the condition, preventing further bending of the fingers and preserving hand function over time.

Improves quality of life

• Enhanced independence: By restoring hand function and reducing pain, surgery can enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with Dupuytren's contracture, allowing them to perform daily activities more easily and participate in social and recreational pursuits.

What are the different surgical techniques for Dupuytren's contracture?

Fasciotomy

In a fasciotomy, the tight bands of tissue causing the contracture are partially cut or divided, allowing the fingers to straighten. This procedure is less invasive than a fasciectomy and may be suitable for less severe contractures.

Fasciectomy

A fasciectomy involves removing the diseased tissue (fascia) responsible for the contracture. This procedure is more extensive than a fasciotomy and may be recommended for more severe or recurrent cases of Dupuytren's contracture.

Needle aponeurotomy

Needle aponeurotomy, also known as percutaneous needle fasciotomy, is a minimally invasive technique that involves using a needle to puncture and break up the tight bands of tissue causing the contracture. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and may be suitable for milder cases of Dupuytren's contracture.

Dupuytren's contracture surgery offers several benefits for patients with this progressive hand condition, including correcting finger deformity, restoring hand function, relieving pain and discomfort, preventing disease progression, and improving overall quality of life. By understanding the benefits and potential outcomes of surgery, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment options and work closely with their healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you're interested in having an expert consultation about Dupuytren's contracture you can book via Mr Raja's Top Doctors profile.