What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s Contracture is an abnormal thickening and tightening of the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. In most cases, this is a painless deformity and can successfully be treated with non-surgical procedures.
What Does a Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery Involve?
As mentioned above, there are certain non-surgical treatments that are recommended in the early stages of Dupuytren’s. These include stretching, steroid injections and enzyme injections.
If the non-surgical procedures are unsuccessful, there are two surgery options available: open surgery and needle aponeurotomy.
Open Surgery
This surgery requires the surgeon to make an incision near the affected area whereby the connective tissue is either removed or divided.
Needle Aponeurotomy
This is an alternative to the open surgery and can usually be done in the doctor’s office. In the procedure, the surgeon will use a hypodermic needle to divide and cut the thick and contracted tissue in the palm and fingers.
The Ideal Candidate
During your initial consultation, the surgeon will decide whether or not you are a good candidate. Please note that you may not be a good candidate if:
- You have had symptoms for less than six months
- Your symptoms have improved with non-surgical treatment
- You have a severe illness or infection
How Much Does a Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery Cost?
Before any surgery can be scheduled a consultation must take place, here the surgeon will assess the patients’ needs and suggest the best procedure to achieve the required results.
Consultation Fee: R1000
(Estimated Price: email us)
The payment plan will be established between the patient and their medical aid provider.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Recovery
You are likely to feel relief from your symptoms soon after your surgery, and the recovery time is generally very quick depending on the procedure chosen and the size of the incision.
Complications | Risks | Side Effects | Scars
If carried out by a medical professional, the side effects from Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery should only last a few days.
Temporary Side Effects
It is common to experience side effects after a Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery these include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
Other Possible Side Effects
In some cases, the side effects are more severe. These include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- A sensitive scar
- Tissue death
These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.
