Dupuytren's Contracture

Konu Başlıkları | İçindekiler

Dupuytren's Contracture is a disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the palm. The skin and subcutaneous tissue, which takes the form of a thick and hard tissue, pulls the fingers towards the palm and restricts the movements of the hand. It usually occurs in middle age. Diabetics are more common in heavy workers who use their hands a lot, but the reason is unknown.

What is Dupuytren's Contracture?

Dupuytren's contracture  is the stiffness of the finger joints and the inability to open the fingers. Although this disease is rare, it is a connective tissue disorder. A hardened nodule is formed by thickening and shortening of the fibrous tissue under the skin of the palm. Afterwards, a very hardened tissue band is seen here. Therefore, the affected finger begins to pull towards the palm for several months or longer. Then it stays in a fixed position and cannot be retracted. It has been observed that it is commonly seen in the 4th or 5th fingers.

What Causes Dupuytren's Contracture?

People with this disease  wonder about the risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture and why. However, no clear cause has been found for this disease. However, it can be said that people with certain diseases have risk factors. For example, cirrhosis with liver disease, diabetes, thyroid, epilepsy, etc. increased risk of diseases. In addition to these, it can be said that genetic predisposition is also the cause. It has usually been observed in men aged 40 years and older. As a location, Northern Europeans are also common.

Dupuytren's Contracture Symptoms

Dupuytren's contracture has the appearance of pulling the fingers towards the palm. The most common symptoms are:

• Hard swelling and pitting are observed in the palm.

• Thick cords may form on the palm of the affected finger. These cords cause the fingers to bend and pull back.
• This disease is usually not accompanied by pain. Patients notice this by not being able to put their hand flat on the floor.
• The person cannot use their fingers comfortably. For example, he has difficulties in activities such as putting his hand in his pocket, shaking hands, washing hands.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of the disease; with complaints and examination.

The treatment is surgery. The surgery is performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia from the arm. It is necessary to open the thin, hard and thickened subcutaneous and skin tissue by protecting the vessels and nerves of the hand. Healing usually occurs after 2-3 weeks.

Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment

Patients with a mild course in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture are only observed. However, the treatment option for patients with advanced condition is surgery. In the operation, the hardened band is removed and finger movement is regained. The operated hand of the patients is kept in a half plaster, which we call a splint, for about 3 weeks after the surgery. After 3 weeks, the splint is removed, the stitches are removed and they are directed to physical therapy.

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