“Does Dupuytren's contracture need surgery?”
I'm a writer and I was just diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture, and it's really devastating for me. I can't do what I love any more because of the amount of discomfort I feel. Would I need surgery? And if it does, would it go away completely with the surgery?
7 Answers
Usually, Dupuytren has no discomfort - it’s more of a functional issue, meaning because the hand/fingers are contracted, the hand can’t function as normal. Make sure you have the correct diagnosis. Having said that, when performed properly, Dupuytren surgery is very successful.
Not all Dupuytrens contracture requires surgery. But if it is impairing your occupation, it likely will need surgery to correct it. Recurrence is multi factorial, but surgery has the lowest recurrence rate of all treatments available. The disease is caused in part by your genetics. Surgery is unable to correct your genetic makeup.
Dupuytren's is not usually a painful condition. See the attached link to see if you have the correct diagnosis.
https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/
https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/
Severe dupuytrens can benefit from surgery. Many do not get to that point.
https://www.handctr.com/dupuytrens-disease-faq.html
https://www.handctr.com/dupuytrens-disease-faq.html
Not everyone with Dupuytrens disease needs surgery. There are minimally invasive treatments, and we only treat when there is a contracture. I hope that helps. Find a hand surgeon you like and trust!
Harrison Solomon, M.D.
Harrison Solomon, M.D.
It is important to know some other information , how old are you and what part of your hand is involved. It would be helpful to know the amount of contracture. Can you get your hand flat on the table still? Typically Dupuytren's does not cause pain. Perhaps there is another diagnosis. Assuming you have a contracture that is from Dupuytrens (is there a cord), many patients are treated without going to the operating room. Please research Needle Aponeurotomy and also Xiaflex injections and manipulations. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Dupuytrens but there is reliable treatment. All treatment options have a recurrence rate. Please see a fellowship trained hand surgeon and one can be found in your area using ASSH.org website.
Dupuytren's Disease usually does not result in pain. In some patients it results in a contracture of the involved finger. If there is a contracture, depending upon the degree of contracture and disability, then treatment may be necessary. Treatment options include surgery, a Xiaflex injection, or percutaneous needle aponeurotomy. So the answer is that if treatment is necessary, then there are effective non-operative options. I would recommend that you consult a hand surgeon to discuss your particular case.
