Q: Which doctor should I consult for Dupuytren’s contracture?
A: You must first visit your general practitioner. If required, he will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
Q: What type of care is required after surgery?
A: For the comfort of the hand and to limit movements, a hand splint must be worn for 3 days after surgery. Active range-of-motion exercise must be performed after that.
Q: What is the success rate for the treatments of Dupuytren’s contracture?
A: The condition is difficult to treat and in around half of the cases, recurrence occurs after 5-10 years of the treatment. However, recurrence can be delayed by choosing the most appropriate treatment approach and rehabilitation exercises.
Q: What happens if any nerve is damaged during surgical procedure?
A: Nerve damage may cause numbness in a part of the hand. Numbness resolves by itself once the nerve is healed.
Q: What happens if my Dupuytren’s contracture is not treated?
A: If kept untreated, Dupuytren’s contracture may cause severe bending of all the fingers in hand which can be debilitating and painful.
