Dupuytren's contracture surgery in Northeast Georgia helps patients restore mobility and function when the fingers are stuck in a bent position. This condition often affects the ring finger and little finger, gradually pulling them toward the palm. Over time, the hand loses strength and range, and everyday tasks such as writing, gripping, or sports become difficult. When conservative treatment fails, hand surgery may be the best solution.
A Condition Characterized by Thickening of the Palm
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition characterized by thickening of the tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Over time, this thickening forms cords that tether the fingers down. Patients notice stiffness, painful tightness, or numbness in the affected digits. This occurs most often in older adults, but it can affect anyone. Unlike fractures or traumatic injuries, the problem develops slowly and silently until the hand is visibly changed.
Symptoms That Affect Quality of Life
Patients often first notice small nodules or lumps in the palm. As the disease progresses, cords form and the fingers assume a bent position. Weakness, decreased function, and reduced sensation make it harder to use the hand. Symptoms can include painful stretching, loss of grip strength, or difficulty laying the hand flat on a table. In advanced cases, the fingers are permanently curled, reducing hand function and making simple tasks frustrating.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In the early stages, conservative measures may help. Steroid injections can ease inflammation in the tissue. Anti inflammatory medications reduce swelling and pain. Splints may temporarily improve movement. Hand therapy and stretching exercises can promote healing of the muscles and tendons around the affected area. However, no non-surgical treatment can fully break the cords of tissue that cause Dupuytren’s contracture.
Hand Surgery for Dupuytren’s Contracture
When symptoms progress, surgery is often required. Hand surgery can successfully treat advanced disease by releasing or removing the contracted tissue. The procedure may be performed with minimally invasive surgical techniques for select cases, or through open surgery in the operating room when more tissue needs to be addressed. Either way, the goal is to restore finger movement and function.
What Happens During the Procedure
In the operating room, the fellowship trained hand surgeon makes precise incisions in the palm and affected finger. The thickened cords are carefully removed while protecting important structures such as the median nerve, digital nerves, tendons, bones, joints, and skin. The surgical site is then closed, and a dressing is applied to protect the hand as it heals. Great care is taken to prevent infection and to promote healing of the tissue.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery involves hand therapy to improve movement, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles. Splints may be used to hold the fingers straight while the skin and tendons recover. Patients are encouraged to move their fingers early to avoid scar tissue. Most patients heal well, with improved function and less pain. While full extension is not always possible, surgery significantly improves life for those affected by this condition.
Common Conditions Treated Alongside Dupuytren’s
Hand and upper extremity surgery often addresses multiple conditions. In addition to Dupuytren’s contracture, patients in Northeast Georgia are treated for carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, osteoarthritis of the thumb, and traumatic injuries such as fractures. These common conditions treated by a hand surgeon can all cause pain, weakness, and decreased function. Having one doctor who specializes in the hand and upper extremity ensures comprehensive care.
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Expertise
The hand is a complex structure made of bones, joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, and skin. Conditions affecting one part of the hand often affect others. For example, arthritis in the thumb or wrist can reduce grip, while nerve injuries may cause numbness or loss of sensation. That is why patients benefit from a fellowship trained orthopedic hand surgeon who understands the full range of upper extremity conditions and can provide the right treatment options.
Everyday Life After Surgery
With proper recovery, most patients report improved hand function, less painful tightness, and a return to normal life activities. Whether it is working, exercising, or sports, restored hand movement makes a significant difference in quality of life. Surgery may not cure Dupuytren’s contracture permanently, but it allows patients to regain independence and use of their affected hand.
Why Choose Dr. Thomas Neustein
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic hand surgeon providing care throughout Northeast Georgia, including Dawsonville, Duluth, Braselton, and Gainesville. With expertise in both minimally invasive surgical techniques and complex upper extremity surgery, he can successfully treat Dupuytren’s contracture and other common hand and upper extremity conditions. Patients appreciate his personalized care, attention to detail, and commitment to restoring function.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing bent fingers, stiffness, or loss of hand function due to Dupuytren’s contracture, now is the time to seek treatment. Contact Specialty Orthopaedics to schedule your consultation with Dr. Neustein. Expert hand surgery can help you heal, relieve pain, and restore your ability to use your hand.
