Dupuytren’s disease
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Mater Private Clinic
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
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When one or more fingers start to curl towards the palm, everyday tasks like shaking hands, washing your face, using tools or placing your hand flat can become difficult.
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign condition where tissue beneath the skin of the palm thickens and tightens over time, forming nodules or cords that may pull the fingers into a bent position.
Dupuytren’s disease Brisbane & Gold Coast
What is Dupuytren’s disease?
Your hands are part of almost everything you do. When one or more fingers start to curl towards the palm, it can make simple tasks feel awkward; shaking hands, putting your hand in a pocket, using tools, washing your face or placing your hand flat on a table.
Dupuytren’s disease is a benign condition that affects the fascia in the palm. The fascia is a layer of tissue beneath the skin. In Dupuytren’s disease, this tissue can thicken and tighten over time, forming nodules or cords in the palm and fingers. As the cords contract, they may pull one or more fingers into a bent position.
This is called a Dupuytren’s contracture.
Not every patient with Dupuytren’s disease needs hand surgery. Some people have mild nodules that can be safely observed. Others develop contractures that gradually interfere with hand function. When the finger can no longer straighten properly, or when the condition affects your everyday life, hand surgery may be considered.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
Dupuytren’s disease commonly starts as a firm lump or nodule in the palm. Over time, a tight cord may form beneath the skin and extend into the finger.
The ring finger and little finger are commonly affected, although other fingers can be involved. Some patients have the condition in both hands.
Symptoms may include:
- A lump or nodule in the palm
- Thickened tissue beneath the skin
- A tight cord running from the palm into the finger
- Difficulty placing the hand flat on a table
- One or more fingers bending towards the palm
- Difficulty with gripping, handshakes, gloves or pockets
A simple way to notice the condition is the tabletop test. If you cannot place your palm flat on a table, this may suggest that a contracture has developed.
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not fully understood, although the genetic pattern is well recognised. It is more commonly seen in patients of Anglo-Saxon lineage, particularly those with British or Nordic ancestry.
There may also be an inflammatory and auto-immune component, with clear ancestral associations.
Men and women can both be affected by Dupuytren’s disease. There are recognised associations with alcohol usage, anti-seizure medication and trauma, although trauma is thought to trigger an inflammatory response rather than act as a direct cause.
During consultation, I will examine your hand carefully and talk with you about how the condition is affecting your function.
If Dupuytren’s disease is mild and your fingers are still straight, observation may be appropriate. In these cases, we may simply monitor your hand and review changes over time.
Hand surgery may be considered when the palmar contracture is extensive, when you cannot place your palm flat on a table, or when a digit is involved.
Treatment may also be discussed if:
- The finger is being pulled into the palm
- Daily tasks are becoming difficult
- The contracture is progressing
- Grip or hand position is affected
- The condition is interfering with work, hobbies or self-care
The aim of treatment is to improve finger position and hand function. Outcomes vary depending on the severity of the disease, skin involvement, joint stiffness and how long the finger has been contracted.
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Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
Hand surgery for Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s surgery: step by step
Anaesthetic
Dupuytren’s surgery is usually performed as day surgery. It may be done under local, regional or general anaesthetic, depending on your hand and the surgical plan.
Incisions
Incisions are made in the palm and, if needed, into the affected finger. The incision pattern depends on where the Dupuytren’s cords are located.
Removing the affected tissue
The thickened tissue is carefully released or removed to help improve finger position and mobility. The small nerves, blood vessels and tendons are protected during this step.
Closing the incisions
The incisions are closed and dressings are applied. The hand is protected while early healing begins.
Recovery and hand therapy
Most patients go home the same day. Hand therapy is often needed after surgery, and a night splint is commonly worn for 6 to 8 weeks to help maintain finger position.
Dupuytren’s disease can come back over time, even after careful surgery. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.
All surgery carries risks. For Dupuytren’s surgery, these may include bleeding, infection, scarring, stiffness, swelling, delayed wound healing, altered sensation, nerve or blood vessel injury, incomplete correction and recurrence.
Recovery after Dupuytren's Surgery | Plastic surgeon brisbane and gold coast
Recovery and hand therapy
Recovery after Dupuytren’s surgery is an important part of treatment. Hand therapy is often required to help with movement, swelling, scar care and finger positioning.
A night splint is commonly worn for 6 to 8 weeks to help maintain finger position while healing occurs. You will also be guided through hand exercises and wound care.
Return to work depends on your job. Office duties may be possible earlier, while manual work usually requires more time.
Hand surgery Brisbane & Gold coast
Seeing Dr Andrew Hadj
I consult from private rooms at Mater Private Clinic in Brisbane and Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast.
Operations are performed at Mater Private Hospital, Herston Private Hospital, South Brisbane Day Hospital, Miami Private Hospital and Gold Coast Private Hospital.
If you are concerned about a bent finger, a lump in your palm or changes in your hand function, a consultation can help you understand what is happening and whether treatment is needed.
With Dupuytren’s disease, the right timing matters. Some hands only need observation, while others benefit from hand surgery and hand therapy. My role is to guide you clearly and honestly through those options.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
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