A hand deformity, Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that affects the layer of the tissue situated under the skin of the palm. It forms tissue knots under the skin and slowly creates a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers in a crooked position. Typically, Dupuytren’s contracture is observed in the two fingers farthest from the thumb and tends to occur in men over 50 who are of Northern European descent.

Needling
In this treatment, a needle is introduced in the skin to puncture and break the cord that’s affecting the finger. The contractures can reappear again, but the procedure can be repeated to keep the symptoms at bay. What’s great about this technique is that there is no incision required and it can be done on multiple fingers simultaneously. Post-treatment, the patient will require some amount of physical therapy. However, this procedure can’t be used in some places of the finger as it could injure a nerve or tendon.

Enzyme injections
Injecting an enzyme into the thick cord helps in softening it. This weakened cord enables the doctor to break it and straighten the fingers. Like needling, even this procedure might need to be repeated as the condition might recur.

Surgery
For people who are struggling with more deteriorating symptoms such as limited function and pain, surgery can be used to correct the condition. This type of treatment aims to eliminate the tissue in the palm for a long-lasting remission period that needle or enzyme techniques are failing to deliver. However, recovery from this treatment can take a while.

In more severe cases, where surgery has failed to offer any respite, surgeons might recommend removing the tissue that is possibly affected by Dupuytren’s contracture. This also includes the skin. In this procedure, a skin graft will be required to cover the open wound. This type of treatment is the most invasive one, not to mention its long recovery period. Plus, months of intensive physical therapy after surgery is necessary for a successful recovery.