Dupuytren’s contracture is a genetic hand condition that can create a deformity that makes it difficult to perform routine tasks with ease.
If you live in or around the greater Las Vegas, Nevada, area, help is available from the outstanding team at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery. One treatment approach is hand surgery, but some patients are good candidates for a nonsurgical injection therapy option known as Xiaflex®.
Dupuytren’s contracture causes one or more fingers to curl inward toward the palm. After a period of time, people with Dupuytren’s can no longer extend their fingers and place their palm flat on a table or other surface.
This condition develops when abnormal knots of tissue form beneath the skin. These knots eventually join to become a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers in toward the palm. The two fingers farthest from the thumb are most commonly affected.
The first sign of Dupuytren’s contracture is usually a lump located in the palm of the hand. Some people experience pain around this abnormal knot of tissue, but others report no unusual sensation. Dupuytren’s contracture worsens gradually, and it can be years before the fingers begin to curve inward.
There is no clear cause of Dupuytren’s contracture, although it appears to have a genetic component. People over 50 are most commonly affected, and men are more likely to develop it than women. Researchers note that tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and diabetes can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Surgery treats Dupuytren’s contracture by removing most or all of the abnormal tissue. For people with advanced deformity, Dr. Williams removes a portion of the skin that’s attached to the thickened band of tissue. This could lead to the need for a skin graft.
For people who are seeking less aggressive treatment options, a needling procedure can snap the cord of tissue that pulls fingers into a curved shape. Often, however, the contracture returns as the tissue continues to thicken over time. Steroid injections can also provide temporary relief.
When you have a visible cord under the skin and want a nonsurgical option to address the contracture, Dr. Williams can use Xiaflex. It’s been shown to reduce the degree of contracture and improve range of motion.
Dr. Williams administers this prescription medication via an injection into the abnormal tissue, and it dissolves the collagen fibers that contribute to abnormal finger curving. The Xiaflex begins breaking down the abnormal collagen. You then return to the office and Dr. Williams performs a finger extension procedure to straighten the affected finger(s).
When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, he assesses your hand and discusses your experience with symptoms. Xiaflex isn’t a good fit for everyone, so it’s important to be as detailed as possible about your health to help Dr. Williams guide you toward the best treatment option.
At Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery, we offer easy online booking as one option, and you’re always welcome to reach our office by phone at 702-703-6929 to check available appointment times.
