Dupuytren's Disease
What is Dupuytren's Disease?
Dupuytren's Disease is also known as "Viking's disease" and is common in people with northern European ancestry. This condition causes hard nodules and cords to form over the tendons of the hand and fingers underneath the skin. These can sometimes be tender and cause pain with gripping. Some may develop tight contractures of the hand and fingers, causing the fingers to be stuck in a bent or "flexed" position. The feet or genitals may also be involved with this condition.
How do we treat it?
Often times Dupuytren's Disease can be monitored closely. If cords and nodules become painful, or if contractures of the hand and fingers develop then treatment can be considered. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment can be a special splint, injections to help break up the cords and nodules, or surgery to remove the cords and nodules.
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What is the surgery?
Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease involves making one or more incisions over the cords and nodules and removing all or part of them. This is performed as "same-day-surgery" and total time spent in the hospital is typically only a few hours. That way, you can be back in the comfort of your own home quickly.