Dupuytren's contracture involves significant thickening of the tissue underneath the skin of the hand and fingers that limits function by causing fingers to curl into a fixed bent position. Although traditionally addressed through extensive surgical procedures, Emory's hand surgeons offer minimally invasive outpatient surgical options for Dupuytren's contracture release that provide shorter recovery time.
Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery is for patients with a more severe contracture that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment. Minimally invasive surgery and collagenase injections are available to try to straighten the finger(s). Complete correction sometimes cannot be attained depending on the severity of the contracture and which fingers are affected. Your hand surgeon can describe these options in more detail, including potential risks and benefits, to help you decide what treatment method is best for you.
During surgery, the thickened and contracted part of the fascia, the layer of tissue just beneath the skin, is divided. The surgeon will make 2-3 small incisions in the palm of the hand or on the finger depending on the contracture to expose the thickened cords of fascia. The surgeon locates the contracture and carefully cuts away the soft tissue causing the contracture. At the end of the surgery, the incision is typically closed with sutures and the hand is bandaged. Our hand surgeons at Emory recommend hand therapy after surgery.
If you have questions, or to make an appointment, call: 404-778-3350.