Dupuytren's contracture is a gradual compaction and contraction of the connective tissue on the palm. Palmar fibromatosis leads to the formation of tendons and nodes that disrupt the function of the hand, preventing the fingers from extending. If you ignore such a disease, it will progress, significantly worsening the quality of life and creating unpleasant sensations when doing household chores.
Therefore, it is very important to seek diagnosis and treatment in time. Next — about how exactly the intervention takes place, what methods are used and how recovery occurs.
What is Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's disease is a pathology of connective tissue that leads to the formation of nodules and tendons. The contraction of the tissue pulls the fingers towards the palm, limiting their mobility and interfering with extension. The ring finger and little finger are most often affected. Sometimes the process is two-sided — it develops on both hands at the same time.
An important nuance:pathology occurs in the palmar aponeurosis, and not in the tendons, although the limitation of mobility is felt precisely in the finger joint.
Main symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture
The disease develops gradually. First, a nodule appears on the palm, and then there is a stretched strip of tissue, which leads to a gradual limitation of the extension of the fingers. A typical household test is to put a brush on the table. If the palm does not lie flat, but remains shortened, contracture can be suspected.
Typical symptoms are:
- compaction on the palm and a feeling of tightness of the skin;
- restriction of extension of 1—2 fingers;
- impaired grip, discomfort during movement;
- feeling of gravity in the fingers even at rest.
Who is most often affected by the disease
It is not yet known what leads to contracture — the exact mechanisms of the development of the disease are still being studied. But doctors name the following risk factors:
- hereditary predisposition — the presence of such pathologies in the family;
- Age over 50 — especially for men
- diabetes mellitus;
- smoking, regular use of alcohol;
- high loads, work with a vibration tool.
Accurate diagnosis of Dupuytren's contracture
Diagnosis is usually clinical. During admission to the orthopedist, the size of the seal, the location of the weights, the degree of flexion of the joints and changes in the function of the hand are evaluated. Additional examinations may be needed to clarify the condition of the tissues or differentiate with similar problems, for example with a clicking finger (Nott's disease), when the finger is fixed during flexion. In this case, the doctor prescribes appropriate studies — X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.
Comprehensive treatment of Dupuytren's contracture in our center
Tactics of treatment of palmar fibromatosis depends on the stage of the disease and the degree of restriction of finger mobility. Active intervention is indicated when contracture causes severe discomfort and interferes with daily activities.
Therapeutic massage of the hand and forearm
Massage is an auxiliary treatment to reduce muscle tension, work with spasm and sensitive points, and to improve sensations in the overload zone.
It does not reduce the burden on the palm, but facilitates the patient's condition and allows the brush to be prepared for further procedures.
In addition to massage, the patient receives personalized recommendations for self-exercise at home.
Physiotherapy for Dupuytren's contracture
Physical therapy is needed to maintain finger mobility, reduce stiffness and safely restore the work of the hand after interventions. Exercises are selected by an orthopedist or rehabilitologist for a specific amount of restriction, taking into account the level of pain and skin condition. This approach is important when returning to work with hands, sports or household loads.
Hardware treatment
Hardware methods help reduce pain, muscle tension and slow reactive changes around the affected area. However, hardware methods are not a substitute for surgical treatment, but only a tool that helps to make recovery easier. Modern areas of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs are available in our medical center.
Needle aponeurotomy (needling)
Needling is a minimally invasive method of treating Dupuytren's contracture. It involves a point impact on the pull with a needle to restore the volume of movement. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, without incisions, and usually allows you to return home faster.
It is important to understand that conservative and minimally invasive methods have their limitations. They can be ineffective with strong contracture and large nodes. After such procedures, there is a risk of relapse. Therefore, in especially severe cases, an operation is prescribed for Dupuytren's contracture. The doctor considers the benefits of surgery for each patient individually. The final decision depends on the extent of the lesion and the severity of the mobility impairment.
Rehabilitation and recovery after a course of treatment
The recovery plan depends on the method chosen and the initial condition of the brush. After needle techniques, active movements are usually restored early, and many patients experience the first noticeable progress within 3—7 days. In the first 1—2 days, swelling, sensitivity and slight stretching in the intervention area are possible. For 2-3 weeks, if you do not provoke an overload, comfortable work by hand in everyday life often returns. Full recovery of strength and confident movements usually takes several weeks.
After surgery, recovery takes longer and can take 4—12 weeks. In the first week, the emphasis is on the control of swelling, healing and the gradual return of finger mobility. Then add exercises for development, coordination and grip so that the brush works stably and without pain. Returns to power tasks, sports or heavy manual work are coordinated individually, focusing on dynamics and sensations. It is important to dose the load safely: the doctor gives a scheme of exercises, suggests a safe mode of household movements and explains when it is possible to increase the intensity.
Palm Fibromatosis Treatment Results and Prognosis
The result of treatment in most cases is the removal of mobility restrictions and the return of finger functions. The result of treatment in most cases is the removal of mobility restrictions and the return of finger functions. At the same time, the result of treatment may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Why should you contact our center?
- More than 30 years of experience. Our doctors have qualifications that are confirmed at the international level. They actively use modern surgical, minimally invasive and conservative methods in their practice.
- Individual approach. We recommend exactly those approaches that can help in your particular case. Specialists of the medical center always coordinate the treatment plan with the patient, adjusting the schedule of procedures as necessary.
- Modern techniques. The Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma Medical Center actively uses minimally invasive techniques that do not involve severe tissue damage and long-term rehabilitation.
- Comfort for patients. We have provided everything to make it convenient for you to contact our medical center — appointment by phone and online, a comfortable rest area and the opportunity to receive clear consultations with clear recommendations for recovery.
Price for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma
Sign up for a consultation with an orthopedic doctor to clarify the cost of treatment for Dupuytren's contracture in Lviv. The basic prices for the procedures are given below, and the full list is available in the clinic's price list. The final treatment plan and its cost are determined by the doctor during the consultation after the examination, taking into account the severity of the condition, the chosen technique and the duration of rehabilitation.
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