Dupytren’s Contracture

Therapy for Dupytren’s contracture in our center for hand surgery in Munich

Dupuytren’s contracture is a pathogenic transformation of connective tissue of the palmar hand, leading to strong and thick fibers, which constrict movements like massive scars. These changes are palpable as knots and cables and progress over time, resulting in a flexed static position of the fingers.

Typical symptoms are:

• Callused knots and fibers in the palmar hand
• Flexion of the fingers
• Progression with worsening loss of function and movement

At our university hospital we have a specialized center for the treatment of any stage of Dupuytren’s contracture and we offer all established as well as new and innovative therapies. The needle fasciotomy can be done with minimal invasion and local anesthesia to split the thickened cable and enable extension of the initially contracted finger. This procedure avoids a large wound in the hand, but statistically a reappearance of the contracture in the same area occurs rapidly.

A procedure, which will inhibit a fast progression partially and takes effect over a much longer period, is the partial aponeurectomy. Here all the transformed and thick connective tissue is removed in one procedure and immediate physiotherapy will start postoperatively to support movement and success of the surgical release.

Surgical treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture is complex and should only be done by experienced hand surgeons. Nerve and vessels, which supply the fingers, often run in the transformed connective tissue and need to be released carefully.

We will gladly inform you personally of all therapy options available during our consultation hours.