Dupuytren's Contracture is an abnormal thickening and tightening of the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. In most cases, this is a painless deformity and can successfully be treated with non-surgical procedures.
There are certain non-surgical treatments that are recommended in the early stages of Dupuytren's. These include stretching, steroid injections and enzyme injections. If the non-surgical procedures are unsuccessful, there are two surgery options available: open surgery and needle aponeurotomy.
You are likely to feel relief from your symptoms soon after your surgery, and the recovery time is generally very quick depending on the procedure chosen and the size of the incision.
Most patients experience significant improvement in finger movement and hand function. The success rate is high when performed by experienced surgeons.
Why Choose Dr. Maresky
Four simple steps to your transformation
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive assessment and discussion of your goals, medical history, and treatment options.
Pre-Operative Planning
Detailed surgical planning, pre-operative instructions, and scheduling of your procedure.
Procedure Day
The surgical procedure performed in our state-of-the-art facility with comprehensive care.
Recovery & Follow-up
Post-operative care, monitoring, and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your consultation to begin this transformative process with Dr. Maresky and our expert team.
Find answers to common questions
What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve genetic factors, age, gender (more common in men), and certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Can Dupuytren's contracture recur after surgery?
While surgery is generally successful, there is a possibility of recurrence, especially in younger patients or those with aggressive disease.
What is needle aponeurotomy?
This is a minimally invasive procedure where a needle is used to divide the contracted tissue, often performed in the doctor's office under local anesthesia.
What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include Northern European ancestry, family history, age over 50, male gender, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use. It's caused by abnormal collagen formation in the palm's connective tissue.
How do I know if I need surgery for Dupuytren's contracture?
Surgery is typically recommended when finger contracture interferes with daily activities, you cannot place your hand flat on a table (tabletop test), or contracture exceeds 30 degrees. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
What is the recovery time after Dupuytren's surgery?
Initial healing takes 2-3 weeks. Hand therapy usually begins within a few days post-surgery. Most patients regain functional use within 4-6 weeks, though full recovery can take 3-6 months depending on severity.
Will my fingers be completely straight after surgery?
Results depend on the severity and duration of contracture. Mild to moderate cases often achieve near-complete straightening. Severe or long-standing contractures may have some residual contracture, but function is significantly improved.
Can Dupuytren's contracture recur after surgery?
Recurrence can occur in 10-30% of cases over 5-10 years, particularly in younger patients or those with aggressive disease. However, surgery significantly improves hand function and quality of life even if some recurrence occurs.