Have you begun to lose functionality in your hands, particularly in your ring or pinky fingers? You may have developed a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand deformity that affects the layer of tissue that lies just under the skin of the palm. Knots of tissue begin to form there, creating a thick cord that pulls one or more of the fingers into a bent position. Affected individuals are not able to straighten out their fingers entirely, particularly the ring and pinky fingers.
While the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown, there are a number of risk factors that can determine how likely an individual is to develop it.
Dupuytren’s contracture most commonly affects people over the age of 50. Men are more likely to develop it than women, and individuals of Northern European descent have a higher incidence of this condition than people from other regions of the world. While there is a strong genetic component to Dupuytren’s contracture, lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol intake can increase an individual’s chances of developing it.
Our practice’s lead physician, Dr. Avery Arora, can evaluate your individual case of Dupuytren’s contracture. He will use his expertise to select a procedure that can improve your symptoms and the overall functionality of your hand.
Recent developments have resulted in non-surgical treatment options, including the use of XIAFLEX, a simple enzyme injection, to relieve the contractures of the fingers.
Other treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture include steroid or enzyme injections, radiation therapy, needle aponeurotomies, and fasciectomies.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your hands, schedule a consultation with our hand surgeon to see if it is Dupuytren’s contracture. Arora Hand Surgery provides state-of-the-art treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture in Macomb, Howell, Warren, and West Bloomfield.
