What is it?
Dupuytren’s is thought to be a hereditary condition that can progress over many years, causing the finger/s to curl into a bent position. It can vary in severity but may cause significant functional limitations as the filter becomes contracted. When it first appears it looks like a small nodule in the palm but can progress to a thick cord. Gradually the cord causes the affected fingers to bend towards the palm.
What causes Dupuytren’s?
- Common in families of Northern European descent
- More common in men than women aged between 50-70 years
- An injury may trigger the condition in someone genetically predisposed
Symptoms
Dupuytren’s contracture is initially characterised by firm lumps/nodules/cords in the palm of the hand that can progressively worsen. Often when this condition progresses, surgery is required and hand therapy is imperative to ensure you regain full use of your hand post-operatively.
How Can I Prevent Dupuytren’s Contracture?
There is no cure, BUT there are effective treatment options to remove abnormal tissue and improve movement.
How is it treated?
There are 3 common methods performed by a specialist hand surgeon to improve the ability to straighten your hand. These include fasciectomy, Xiaflex injection and needle fasciectomy. Following your procedure splinting and rehabilitation exercises are commenced immediately by a hand therapist to help restore normal movement and achieve the best possible outcome.
Melbourne Hand Therapy Can Help You!
Our experienced therapists can assess the extent of the condition and guide you regarding the need/timing for surgery. We work closely with and can recommend highly skilled hand surgeons who obtain excellent results with Dupuytren’s contracture. Following surgery, we will ensure you regain the best possible outcome. Your therapist will instruct you in specific exercises and fabricate a custom-made splint, assisting the fingers to regain the ability to straighten.
