Dupuytren's contracturePredisposition to the development of tough connective tissue in the hands and fingers, which eventually causes the fingers to curl, is a genetic condition.
The disease takes over the hand and fingers, usually in this order: the ring finger, little finger, middle finger, thumb and lastly, the index finger. The disease always begins with small, hard knots in the hands, which gradually spread to the direction of the ring finger or little finger and begins to resemble the subcutaneous connective strip.
The strip slowly contracts and the finger is pulled with it. Functionally, the hand becomes of less and less use, because the fingers cannot be straightened out. The means we cannot play musical instruments, shake hands, pick up larger items, reach into our pockets or put a pair of gloves on.
When the knot in your hand becomes annoying, or if the strip has pulled one or more fingers and the quality of your life has been reduced, it is time for you to visit us.
Treatment is primarily surgical. The procedure can usually be done on an outpatient basis under local or regional anaesthesia. During rehabilitation, which lasts 6 to 8 weeks, with exercises and splints or even through the operation, the gained flexibility of your fingers will be increased.
When only the hand and basic joints of the fingers are affected, the success of the operation is very good. The rule that earlier surgery is more effective than at late stages of the disease is true.
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