Dupuytren's Contracture Specialist

What is Dupuytren’s contracture? 

Dupuytren’s contracture is a hereditary condition in which nodules and knots of tissue form under your skin, eventually creating a cord of ropey tissue that contracts your finger into a bent position. The condition most commonly affects your ring and little fingers and can get in the way of simple everyday activities like shaking hands, typing, or using your phone.  

What causes Dupuytren’s contracture?

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture isn’t known, but it is considered to be a hereditary disease. However, risk factors for the condition include:

• Being a male (males are affected greater than females, ~4:1)
• Being over the age of 40
• Having a family history of the disease
• Use of alcohol
• Having diabetes or epilepsy

The condition usually develops slowly, but the earlier you start treatment, the better. One of the first signs of Dupuytren’s contracture is a lump under the skin of your palm. As the condition progresses and your tissue thickens, your fingers begin to contract and curl. 

How is Dupuytren’s contracture treated?

Traditionally, the gold standard for treatment is a partial palmar fasciectomy procedure in which the damaged and contracted fascia is removed and your fingers are straightened. 

However, Dr. Pess and Dr. Atik both have specialized training in alternative treatments, including needle aponeurotomy. 

Needle aponeurotomy 

Needle aponeurotomy is a minimally invasive treatment developed by Dr. Jean-Luc Lermusiaux in Paris. Both Dr. Pess and Dr. Atik received personal instruction in the technique from Dr. Lermusiaux and are two of the few certified hand surgeons in the United States who offer the procedure. They have had the opportunity to treat patients who come to them from all over the United States and 8 other countries.

The procedure takes 15-20 minutes and a mild sedative may be given. Your doctor inserts a small needle into your abnormal tissue to release the contracted cords. There is no incision or sutures and you can return to your regular activities almost immediately. 

The doctors have straightened over 8,000 fingers using needle aponeurotomy. 

Xiaflex®

The entire team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery also offers Xiaflex injections to treat Dupuytren’s contracture. Xiaflex is a prescription medicine that your doctor injects directly into the knotted, thick tissue. Xiaflex “dissolves” the cords of the thickened tissue and allows your finger to return to its regular, straightened position. 

The treatment is performed in the office, only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require any incisions or open surgery.

If you’re concerned about Dupuytren’s contracture, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery or make an appointment online today to receive state-of-the-art treatment from international experts on the condition.

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