Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren’s Disease Surgery

Dupuytren’s disease is an abnormal thickening of the tissue beneath the skin. Dr Carmen Munteanu in Melbourne offers surgical and non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s disease in order to improve finger position and hand function.

Known as fascia, this thickening occurs in the palm and can extend into your fingers. If firm cords and lumps develop which cause the fingers to bend into the palm, it’s known as Dupuytren’s contraction.

Sometimes, this disease will cause thickening on top of the finger knuckles, nodules, or cords within the soles of the feet.

Precisely what causes this disease is unknown. However, it is associated with biochemical factors within the involved fascia. Men over 40 are more likely to suffer this problem as are people of northern European descent. And as yet, there is no proven evidence that hand injuries or occupational exposures lead to a higher risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease.

The symptoms of this disease include lumps and pits within the palm. These lumps are usually firm and adhere to the skin. Thick cords may develop which resemble tendons; however these cords lie between the skin and the tendons. The cords cause bending or contractures or the fingers.

For some people, this disease can affect both hands, although the severity in each hand may vary.

How can Dupuytren’s disease be treated?

The treatment for Dupuytren’s disease depends on the severity of your case. For mild cases of the disease, typically only observation is required. In severe cases, there are a number of options available such as needles or open surgery.

During your consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment based on the stage and pattern of the disease, as well as which joints are involved.

It is important to keep in mind that the goal of treatment is to improve finger position and hand function. However, even after treatment, the disease can reoccur. During your consultation, we will discuss realistic goals, as well as possible risks and results.

You can find out more about the Dupuytren treatment below.

Risks and Complications of Dupuytren’s Disease Surgery

Every surgery has some risks and possible complications.

Dr Carmen will cover the potential risks and complications during your consultation as part of your informed consent. She will also explain the measures she will take in order to reduce your risks as much as possible.

For more information about risks of surgery and possible complications

Things you can do to minimise your risks and complications of surgery

• Read all your surgical documents and follow instructions of your surgeon precisely – rest & Allow time to heal, wear your compression garments as instructed, avoid removing your own bandages or touching at the incision site until it has healed properly.
• Do NOT Smoke at all during the surgical journey – especially critical in the periods before and after surgery
• Be accurate and upfront about ALL your medications, supplements and vitamins that you are currently taking – Tell both Dr Carmen and your anaesthetist
• When providing your medical history give specific details about ANY past difficulties you have had with surgery, anaesthesia, hospital visits or healing
• Thorough pre-washing of your own body prior to surgery can reduce skin bacteria and risk of infection.
• Successful surgical outcomes are the result of a number of considerations – realistic surgical goals, realistic patient expectations, and a good knowledge and understanding of possible risks and complications.