If you think that you are suffering from Dupuytren's contracture, you should make an appointment with your doctor without delay. He or she will be able to prescribe treatment for you, and to refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Your treatment plan for Dupuytren's contracture (sometimes referred to as Dupuytren's disease will depend on the severity of your condition. Stretching exercises are often recommended while ultrasound treatment can be useful in easing inflammation. If inflammation persists, however, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone injection.
In the most severe cases surgical intervention can help excise scar tissue, releasing tension and helping restore function to the hand.
Generally speaking, it is likely that your doctor will recommend one of the following treatments:
- Radiation therapy – this treatment involves radiation being aimed at the thickening cords and nodules in the hand, primarily for prevention of contracture
- Collagenase clostridium histolyticum – this treatment involves the injection of medicine into the cords in the palm of the hand, to weaken them. A day later the doctor will break the cords by straightening the finger
- Needle fasciotomy – this is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. It involves inserting a fine needle under the skin to divide the cords, reducing the contraction effect
- Open fasciotomy – here the surgeon will gain access, via an incision, into the connective tissue within the hand tso that the cords can be divided more effectively. It is a more serious operation but will carried out only in more severe cases
- Fasciectomy – this is an operation designed to remove connective tissue which has thickened. It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. There are three variations; regional, segmental and dermosfasciectomy
Compensation for Dupuytren's contracture
It is now recognised that many cases of Dupuytren's contracture are caused by occupational factors such as exposure to excessive vibration in the workplace.
If you would like to consider your possible right to compensation for Dupuytren's contracture, or any vibration-related occupational condition, contact us today by calling 0800 0891 331 to talk it through.
We are Scotland's leading personal injury firm and each week secure around £1 million in compensation for our clients.
