Contracture is a state of loss of mobility in certain joints, that arises as a result of calcification or other “inelastic” transformation of normally elastic tissues like muscles and tendons. A specific type of contracture, that affects fingers of hand, has been discovered in early 19th century by a French surgeon Guillaume Dupuytren, and successively named after him, is quite a common condition that typically affects males of Caucasean descent. This condition is characterized by permanent bending and mobility loss of lateral fingers of hand, which is commonly treated by the means of surgery.
It typically starts with a thickening of the skin in the palm, followed by the formation of nodules or cords under the skin. As the condition progresses, these cords can tighten, pulling the fingers into a bent position. This can impair hand function, making it difficult to fully extend the fingers or grip objects. The exact reasons are yet to be determined, though it is known that there is a genetic component to disease, and that smoking, alcohol consumption and other factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle contribute to risk of this disease development.
As of now, this disease can only be treated surgically. During the operation, which is performed under local anaesthesia, calcified tissues are removed. Then, a skin graft from another part of the patient’s own body is placed, which serves to prevent possible recurrence of the disease.
Typically, patients are discharged home on the same day of the operation. Sutures are removed by the doctor 12 days later. The hand is then immobilized with a removable plaster bandage for 3 weeks. After this, rehabilitation process starts. Specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures, exercises, hand and forearm massage to the patient. Approximately 1.5 – 2 months after the operation, hand function is fully restored.
