Palmar Fasciectomy

What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture (also known as a partial fasciectomy, palmar fasciectomy, or Viking’s disease) is a procedure used to treat abnormal growth under the hand’s palm.  This thickening of skin tissue pulls the finger in towards the palm, causing immobility, stiffness, and discomfort.  In severe cases, the hand may end up in a deformed claw-like position making every day tasks next to impossible.  Dupuytren’s contracture can also occur in the sole of the foot, but is not as common.  

Typically, Dupuytren’s contracture affects seniors, especially those of European descent.  Although the actual cause is unknown, the thickening could be related to smoking, alcoholism, or diabetes.   

Treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture ranges from regular stretches of the fingers for milder cases to surgery for the more severe cases.  In between, steroid injections, radiation therapy, and needle aponeurotomy may be used to slow the progression of the disease.  Surgery can sometimes remove or release part of the tightened tissue.  In the most severe cases, finger amputation is sometimes used.