Dupuytren contracture is a flexion contracture at the hand in which the
fingers bends towards the palm and leads to extending or straightening
of the fingers. Dupuytren contracture is caused by the formation of the
scar tissue underneath the palm skin of the hand. This gets accumulated
into a fibrous tissue known as fascia which covers the tendons.
Fascia always pulls the fingers to give a firm grip. When this contracture
develops then the fascia will become shortened and thickened. This will
lead fingers to get into bent down position and make it unable to extend.
This mostly occurs at the ring finger or little finger and also more common
in men than women.
What is Dupuytren Contracture Surgery?
Dupuytren contracture is corrected using Dupuytren Contracture Surgery.
The Dupuytren Contracture Surgery removes diseased fascia and makes the
finger straight again. The fascia and tight cords will be removed in order
to release the tension on the finger. In certain cases, extra skin grafting
from other parts of the body is also done to the incision area in order
to give more flexibility to the finger.
Dupuytren
Contracture Surgery Procedure
Dupuytren contracture surgery is done under a general or local anesthetic.
The surgeon will ensure the skin of the patient’s palm is free from
any infection. The skin will be cleaned using germ killing solution. After
that an incision is made at the skin. Incision will depend on the condition
of the disease and the incision is done by the side of the natural lines
as well as creases of the hand. Hence the scar will be less noticeable
when the hand is healed.
After the palmar fascia has been exposed, the surgeon will separate it
from the arteries, nerves and tendons. A special care is needed during
the surgery to ensure that the nearby blood vessels and nerves are not
damaged. The surgeon will then remove the palmar fascia in order to straighten
the finger. Finally the fibrous tissue formed will be removed and then
the skin will be sewn together by the use of stitches.
Complications
of Dupuytren Contracture Surgery
• The anesthesia given during surgery can cause some allergies. This
can also form reactions with the other drugs the patient is using there
by causing problems.
• Infection will occur at the incision site.
• During the surgery, the nearby nerves and blood vessels may be
damaged. This requires another surgery.
• In rare cases, fingers will suffer from permanent stiffness.
