Dupuytren's Disease
What is a Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's disease, also known as "Viking's Disease," is a genetic and progressive disease of the connective tissue (fascia) in the hand. A Dupuytren's contracture causes shortening and thickening of this connective tissue in the palm, often presenting first as a nodule, followed by the appearance of tendon-like cords in the palm. These cords are due to changes in the fascia tissue, which cause it to shorten and tighten.
The thickening and shortening of the fascia causes the fingers to become contracted towards the palm.
Signs and symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of Dupuytren's disease include:
• Discolouration or a white colour of the skin when straightening your fingers
• Being unable to flatten your palm on the table
• One or more small, tender lumps (nodules) in the palm
• Gradual progression in the contraction or bending of the finger towards the palm
• Being unable to straighten your finger
• Visible cord or bunching of the skin in the palm
Treatment options
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent or treat Dupuytren's disease without surgery. Surgery for Dupuytren's disease involves removing the contracted tissue from the hand so you are able to straighten your finger.
Why is post-op care so important?
Once you have had surgery and your wound has healed, scar tissue forms at the surgery site. It is normal for scar tissue to contract as it forms, and as a result, there is a possibility that your fingers will be pulled into a contracture again.
Post-op hand therapy following surgical release of a Dupuytren's contracture is essential to ensure your wound heals well and your scar does not heal in a contracted position.
Your hand therapist will make you a splint to wear overnight after surgery to help prevent this from happening. Your therapist will also provide you with scar management techniques, such as scar massage and silicone, to help soften your scar and prevent it from contracting, as well as exercises to help restore your function and achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.
If you are unsure whether you have a Dupuytren's contracture, have been diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease, or are booked in to have surgery for your contracture, give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can help point you in the right direction and support the best possible outcome after surgery.
Have questions about your hand or wrist injury? Our experienced hand therapists at Riverina Hand Therapy are here to help. Call us on 02 6925 0157 or visit riverinahandtherapy.com.au to book an appointment.
This information is general in nature and is intended to support, not replace, individual advice from your treating health professional. Everyone's injury and recovery are different, so please contact your GP, specialist, or your hand therapist at Riverina Hand Therapy if you have concerns about your condition.
