The fascia is connective tissue that extends over tendons and muscles under the skin on the palm of the hand, anchoring the skin in place for a firm surface. Dupuytren’s contracture is a tightening and thickening of the fascia of the palm that can impact the form and function of the hands and fingers. Dr. Steven Struhl at Shoulders & Knees orthopedics offers Dupuytren’s contracture treatment to restore hand function at our clinics in NYC and Westchester.
Causes and Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Disease
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not known. There are known risk factors, including genetics, male gender, alcohol use and aging. Dupuytren’s contracture begins slowly, worsening over many years. The symptoms can include:
- Nodules or lumps on the palm of the hand
- Cords form on the palm, restricting the fingers from normal movement
- The fingers or thumb can be pulled into the palm, restricting digit straightening and spreading movement
In severe cases of Dupuytren’s contracture, one or more fingers can be bent in toward the palm. Hand dexterity is limited, and function is compromised without treatment.
Restoring Dupuytren’s Disease Hand Function
There is not a cure for Dupuytren’s disease but there are non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatments can include cortisone injections to slow the progression of the disease. For progressed Dupuytren’s contracture with bent or restricted digits, hand tendon surgery may be necessary to restore hand function. This can include fasciotomy to surgically divide and separate thickened fascia to release tightened cords. Subtotal palmar fasciectomy is another surgical option to remove diseased tissue in the palm to restore finger movement.
If you suffer from Dupuytren’s contracture, treatment is available to improve your hand and finger function. Contact our clinic in New York City or Westchester to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Struhl to discuss treatment options.
