Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand condition that affects a person’s ability to straighten his or her fingers. In serious cases, the deformity causes pain and interferes with activities of daily living, such as writing and grasping objects. Dupuytren’s contracture affects men and women of all ages, but is most common in men 40 years or older.
As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Jason Ko is extremely knowledgeable about deformities that affect form and function. Furthermore, with specialized training in orthopedic hand and wrist surgery, he is uniquely qualified to treat cases of Dupuytren’s contracture. Dr. Ko is widely recognized for helping patients overcome the symptoms and challenges associated with this hand condition.
What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture occurs due to an excessive production of collagen under the skin of the palm. This causes knots and cords of tissue to form, often extending up to the fingers (primarily the ring and pinkie fingers) and pulling them down into a curled position.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a genetic condition prevalent in people of Northern European descent (though Dr. Ko has treated patients with the disease from all different ethnic backgrounds). Doctors believe certain factors increase the risk — namely, tobacco and alcohol use, medical conditions including diabetes and a family history of the condition.
Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture usually progresses very slowly and the severity varies by case. The condition causes lumps or nodules to form in the palms of the hands. These may cause pain or sensitivity.
If you notice lumps or nodules on your palms that are painful or sensitive to the touch, or if you have difficulty straightening your fingers, you should see Dr. Ko for an evaluation. He will discuss your medical history with you and perform a physical examination of your hands. During the exam, he will touch or press on different parts of your fingers and hands to look for tough bands of tissue or hard knots.
Treating Dupuytren’s Contracture
If Dr. Ko diagnoses you with Dupuytren’s contracture, you have several treatment options.
Sometimes the condition can be managed with conservative approaches such as heat or massage therapy, stretching exercises or injections of anti-inflammatory medications. A needle aponeurotomy involves injecting a small needle into the thickened palm tissue and carefully manipulating it to loosen and break up contracting tissue. Another option is to inject collagenase into the cords or knots, as this enzyme breaks down the collagen to weaken the contracture, allowing Dr. Ko to later straighten your fingers in an office-based procedure.
If conservative treatments fail and symptoms persist to the point that your hand or finger function is compromised and your quality of life is badly affected, surgery is an option. During an outpatient procedure, Dr. Ko makes an incision to remove part or all of the tissue in the palm and fingers affected by the disease. Physical therapy is usually required after surgery to recapture full hand and finger function and achieve the best possible outcomes.
After Dr. Ko has met with you to learn about the circumstances of your case, he can recommend the most suitable treatment option.
Contact Dr. Jason Ko Today
For more information about getting relief from Dupuytren’s contracture, please contact the practice of Dr. Jason Ko today.