Making Things Hard to Grasp: Dupuytren’s Contracture

There are many conditions that can affect the hand, and one of the most unusual is Dupuytren's contracture, where scar tissue starts forming in the palm of the hand. As the disease progresses, Dupuytren's contracture can cause one or more fingers (usually the ring and pinky fingers) to bend toward the palm. This can complicate everyday activities and can make it impossible to fully extend the fingers — resulting in a loss of normal grasping.

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, our skilled and compassionate professionals are experienced in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. After careful evaluation of your condition, we will recommend the treatment plan that’s best for you, one that’s designed to restore freedom of movement to your hand, and restore you to your regular activities.
Although the precise cause of Dupuytren's contracture is not known, researchers have found that genetics play a role, as do certain conditions that increase your risk, such as diabetes, epilepsy and alcoholism.

A Dupuytren's contracture initially may cause only a minor painless lump in the palm of the hand near the base of the finger(s), but as the disease progresses, hand movement (particularly grasping objects), will become increasingly difficult.
Treatment depends on the severity and the underlying condition of the affected individual and can range from stretching exercises with heat application and ultrasound treatments, to injections. When nonsurgical treatments have failed, we can use surgical procedures to remove the scarred tissue in order to free the fingers and release the tendons, returning function to a disabled hand.

Better hand health is within reach
At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate orthopedic care to treat a wide spectrum of conditions. For more information on our office and the many services we provide, give us a call today.

By J. Turner Vosseller

August 27, 2020