Dupuytren’s contracture Brisbane and Gold Coast
Dupuytren’s contracture Brisbane and Gold Coast
What is Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that starts in the palm of the hand. It causes firm lumps or bands to form under the skin.
At first, you may only notice a small lump in your palm. Over time, this can become a tight cord that pulls one or more fingers down towards the palm. When the finger becomes bent and harder to straighten, this is called Dupuytren’s contracture.
Dr Andrew Hadj
Plastic Surgeon Queensland Hand Surgery
Some people have Dupuytren’s disease for many years without needing treatment. Others find that the finger slowly bends further, making everyday tasks more difficult.
You may notice trouble with things like:
- placing your hand flat on a table
- putting your hand into a pocket
- wearing gloves
- washing your face
- shaking hands
- using tools or gripping objects
Not everyone with Dupuytren’s disease needs hand surgery. At Queensland Hand Surgery, treatment depends on how much the finger has bent, how well the hand still works, and whether the condition is affecting daily life.
Dr Andrew Hadj sees patients with Dupuytren’s disease and Dupuytren’s contracture in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
When is hand surgery considered for Dupuytren’s contracture?
Surgery may be considered when the contracture becomes more significant, especially if the palm cannot be placed flat on a table or one or more fingers are being pulled into a bent position.
Before Dupuytren’s surgery is discussed, your hand surgeon will assess the palm, fingers, skin, joints and cords. They will also ask about your medical history, medications, work needs, previous hand surgery and any wound healing concerns.
The aim is to help you understand what surgery may improve, what it may not fully correct, and what recovery will involve.
What causes Dupuytren’s disease?
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not fully understood. It often runs in families and is more common in people with Northern European ancestry. It can also be associated with ageing, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use and some medical conditions.
Dupuytren’s disease is not caused by overusing the hand, although symptoms may become more noticeable when hand function becomes affected.
What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease?
The first symptom of Dupuytren’s disease is often a small, firm lump in the palm. Over time, this may develop into a tight cord under the skin.
As Dupuytren’s disease progresses, one or more fingers may start to bend towards the palm. This is usually painless, but it can affect hand movement and function.
When does Dupuytren’s contracture need treatment?
Dupuytren’s contracture may need treatment when the finger is bending enough to affect daily activities.
A common sign is being unable to place the hand flat on a table. Treatment may also be considered if the contracture is worsening, affecting grip, or making work, sport or personal care more difficult.
Is hand surgery always needed for Dupuytren’s disease?
No. Not everyone with Dupuytren’s disease needs hand surgery.
If the condition is mild and the finger still straightens well, it may simply be monitored. Surgery may be discussed if Dupuytren’s contracture becomes more advanced or starts to interfere with hand function.
Hand surgery Brisbane & Gold coast
What happens during Dupuytren’s surgery?
Dupuytren’s surgery is usually performed as a day procedure. Depending on the extent of the condition and your needs, it may be done under local, regional or general anaesthetic.
Making the incision
During surgery, incisions are made in the palm and sometimes into the affected finger. The incision pattern depends on where the cords are and how far the contracture extends.
Releasing tissue
The thickened Dupuytren’s tissue is carefully released or removed while protecting the small nerves, blood vessels and tendons in the hand. The goal is to improve finger position and hand function.
Dressings
Once the affected tissue has been treated, the incisions are closed and dressings are applied.
In more advanced cases, the finger joints may have been bent for a long time. This can mean the finger may not fully straighten, even after careful surgery. This will be discussed before the operation so expectations are clear and realistic.
Risks and possible complications
All surgery has risks. Risks of Dupuytren’s surgery can include bleeding, infection, swelling, scarring, stiffness, delayed wound healing, altered sensation, tenderness, nerve or blood vessel injury, incomplete correction and recurrence.
At Queensland Hand Surgery, these risks are discussed before treatment so patients can make an informed decision about their care.
Recovery after Dupuytren’s hand surgery
Most patients go home the same day after Dupuytren’s hand surgery.
Recovery is an important part of treatment. Hand therapy is often recommended to help with swelling, movement, scar care and splinting. A night splint may be worn for 6 to 8 weeks to help maintain finger position while healing occurs.
The hand can feel swollen, stiff or tender in the early recovery period. Some patients need time away from work, especially if their job involves gripping, lifting, tools or manual hand use.
Your return to driving, work and normal activities will depend on your hand function, wound healing and the type of work you do.
Where in Queensland can I have Dupuytren’s contracture treatment?
Queensland Hand Surgery provides assessment and treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
Dr Andrew Hadj is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with experience in hand surgery, including Dupuytren’s contracture surgery. During consultation, patients are given clear information about their condition, treatment options, expected recovery and possible risks.
Can Dupuytren’s contracture come back after surgery?
Yes. Dupuytren’s contracture can come back over time, even after surgery.
Surgery can improve the position and function of the affected finger, but it does not remove the underlying tendency for Dupuytren’s disease to develop. This is discussed during consultation, along with the risks and benefits of surgery.