Specialty Orthopedic Group offers Non-Surgical Treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture

Have you noticed your fingers contracting? Do you have limited range of motion in one or both of your hands? You may have a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture.

In a recent USA Today article, Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway, now a spokesperson for Dupuytren’s contracture, shares his difficulties of tackling basic tasks and enjoying pastimes. After experiencing years of progressively worsening hand conditions, Elway sought advice from a hand specialist where he learned more about his condition and the non-surgical treatment option Xiaflex.

Fortunately for patients in north Mississippi and beyond, Specialty Orthopedic Group’s hand specialist Dr. Tyler Marks offers Xiaflex as a conservative approach for Dupuytren’s contracture.

“Dupuytren’s contracture, also known as palmar fibromastosis, is a genetic condition seen most commonly in individuals of northern European descent,” shares Dr. Marks. “It is an abnormal growth of tissues in the palm of your hand. The tissue can grow into nodules or ‘cords’ that may or may not be painful. Sometimes, the cords will cause the fingers to begin to curl into the palm of the hand.

The condition is usually not painful, but as the cords cause the fingers to curl, it can be very problematic for patients. It will cause problems with simple activities such as shaking hands, wearing gloves, placing hands into pockets, and other normal activities.

Xiaflex, or Collagenase as it is frequently referred to, allows patients to avoid surgery and have their condition treated in the office setting. It is a two-step process in which the patient comes in one day to have the cords injected with the enzyme, and they then return three to five days later for manipulation, or straightening of the finger. The patient is then placed in a hand splint at night for 3 months to keep the finger straight and prevent recurrence.”

If you think you may have symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture and would like to discuss your condition and treatment options with Specialty Orthopedic Group’s hand specialist Dr. Tyler Marks, call 662.767.4200 or use our “request appointment” feature at www.sogms.com, or for more information about Dupuytren’s contracture, visit www.factsonhand.com. Remember, no referral is needed. Choose a specialist. Choose SOG.