We’re pleased to welcome Christian Rushton to the Melbourne Hand Therapy team.
Christian joins us from the United Kingdom, where he worked as a Senior Physiotherapist Team Leader within a large NHS hospital, managing complex musculoskeletal and upper limb caseloads. He brings extensive experience in post-operative hand therapy, thermoplastic splinting, sporting injuries and nerve-related conditions, along with a strong background in education and team leadership.
With eight years of clinical experience and a strong passion for collaborative care, Christian is a fantastic addition to our growing team. Patients can expect a thoughtful, evidence-based approach focused on functional recovery and long-term outcomes.
We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he will bring across our clinics.
Christian will be consulting at our East Melbourne, Deepdene and Ringwood East locations.
Dupuytren’s Contracture and Surgical Release: An Overview
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive hand condition that affects the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Over time, this tissue thickens and shortens, forming cords that can draw one or more fingers into a flexed (bent) position. The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected. While the condition is typically painless, it can lead to increasing stiffness and reduced hand function.
Causes and Progression
Dupuytren’s contracture is known to have a genetic component and occurs more commonly in:
The condition usually progresses slowly, beginning with small nodules in the palm and potentially advancing to fixed finger contractures.
When is Surgical Release Considered?
Surgical intervention is generally considered when the contracture begins to interfere with hand function. This is often assessed by the inability to fully straighten the affected finger(s), particularly at the knuckle or middle finger joint.
Common indications for surgery include:
What is a Dupuytren’s Contracture Release?
A Dupuytren’s contracture release is a surgical procedure aimed at improving finger extension by releasing or removing the thickened cords of tissue. In a standard or “basic” release procedure:
The procedure is commonly performed as day surgery, depending on the individual case.
Postoperative Recovery and Hand Therapy
Following surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is important to optimise outcomes. Recovery typically includes:
Splinting is key, particularly at night, to help maintain finger extension during the healing phase of rehabilitation.
Summary
Dupuytren’s contracture is a common hand condition that can gradually limit finger movement and hand function. A surgical contracture release is considered when the condition becomes functionally limiting. When combined with appropriate postoperative hand therapy, most individuals achieve pre-operative movement and functional levels of hand use.
We recently had the opportunity to attend the Healthia Recent Graduate Conference, which brought together clinicians from across the network for a collaborative learning experience centred on professional growth and skill development. The conference provided a valuable platform to refine our assessment frameworks, explore evidence-based management strategies, and gain practical insights across a diverse range of clinical presentations. Just as importantly, it allowed us to connect with peers, learn from experienced practitioners, and return with knowledge that will continue to enhance and strengthen the care we provide to our patients at Melbourne Hand Therapy.
With over 32 years’ experience, Colleen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team at MHT. She has worked extensively in public burns, plastics and trauma units across Australia and the UK, beginning her hand therapy career at the Trauma and Burns Unit at The Alfred before joining Melbourne Hand Therapy in 2001. Colleen has a special interest in trauma and post-operative rehabilitation, working closely with hand surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her nursing background and specialist wound care skills add significant value when managing both complex and elective cases. Known for her warm and approachable nature, she finds great satisfaction in supporting her patients through recovery and helping them return to the activities they love.
“Colleen’s expertise, encouragement and genuine care made all the difference in my recovery after my surgery, I’m now back playing tennis pain free.”
Have you experienced exceptional care or teamwork from someone at MHT? We’d love to hear about it.
Help us celebrate those who go above and beyond.
