If you are having problems with bending your fingers, you may have Dupuytren’s disease. This condition may first present as painless lumps in the palms or pitting in the skin. However, over time, cords in your palm can tighten, pulling the finger in toward the palm.
What is Dupuytren’s Contracture Release?
Dupuytren’s contracture release is a procedure used to treat Dupuytren’s disease. While there is no known cure for Dupuytren’s contracture, the main goal of surgery is to reduce the contracture and improve motion in the affected fingers. The healing tissues will form with the same potential to develop restricting cords in the future, but there can still be significant gains in hand function.
During the procedure, your surgeon will create an incision in the hand and remove the thickened tissue that causes the finger to bend into the palm of the hand. This will allow for improved movement of the hand by freeing up the joints and skin and increasing the mobility of the finger. In some cases, skin grafts may be needed from another area of the body to replace the overlying skin.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Release Recovery
Mild pain, swelling, and stiffness are to be expected following surgery. You will be instructed to keep your hand elevated above your heart and gently move your fingers to help improve stiffness and decrease swelling. Hand therapy can help to increase finger motion, strength, and function following surgery. Overall, it is vital that you follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions to ensure quick and effective healing. Many patients will experience improved movement of their fingers following surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Salem hand surgeons Dr. Keith C. Neaman, Dr. Dustin Christiansen, and Dr. Pete Tsai have extensive training and experience in the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease. To schedule your personal consultation, please call Neaman Hand Surgery at 844-338-5445; if left untreated, progressive contracture of the finger can lead to decreased grip strength and permanent deformity of the fingers.
