By Megan M. Eldred, Marketing Specialist, The Iowa Clinic
Unlock hand freedom with an innovative and non-surgical treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture. Offered by Iowa Clinic Hand and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Christopher Katcherian, MD, this minimally invasive treatment option is improving finger mobility and function in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture – without going under a knife!
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition affecting the hands and fingers and is characterized by one or more fingers becoming permanently bent or flexed.
There’s strong research and evidence to suggest that genetics play a role in Dupuytren’s contracture, meaning it’s often passed down the generations. This condition is most often observed in those of Northern European descent and those over the age of 40. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture than women, and other lifestyle factors, like smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, may also increase one’s risk of developing this condition.
The first sign of Dupuytren’s contracture is often the formation of a small, tender nodule or lump in the palm of the hand. Over time, thick cords of tissue will begin to develop under the skin which cause the affected fingers to bend inward toward the palm. As this condition progresses, albeit slowly, individuals with Dupuytren’s contracture may begin to have trouble with everyday tasks like grabbing objects and shaking hands.
How is Dupuytren’s contracture treated?
In mild cases where the contracture is not affecting hand function, a doctor may recommend a watch and wait approach to see how the condition progresses. For more severe contractures that impair hand function, surgical intervention may be recommended, which typically involves removing the thickened tissue and releasing the affected fingers to restore range of motion.
Luckily for patients with Dupuytren’s contracture in the Des Moines Metropolitan, Iowa Clinic doctor, Christopher Katcherian, MD, who specializes in treating hand, wrist and soft tissue elbow impairments, also specializes in offering a non-surgical option for those suffering from Dupuytren’s contracture known as Xiaflex.®
What’s Xiaflex and what makes it so special?
Xiaflex is a prescription, injectable medication used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture. Working to break down collagen buildup that causes finger contractures, Xiaflex provides a multitude of benefits worth learning more about.
Not only does Xiaflex offer patients suffering from Dupuytren’s contracture with a non-surgical option for treatment, especially for those that may not be suitable candidates for surgery or prefer to avoid it, it also is a minimally invasive, involving the injection of the medication directly into the cord causing the contracture.
By breaking down the collagen buildup within the affected tissue, Xiaflex injections can help patients experience improved finger flexibility and reduced severity of the contracture, which could restore hand function, too.
What’s more? Xiaflex injections typically come with a short recovery time when compared to surgical options, and most individuals can resume their normal activities within days to weeks.
Many individuals experience significant improvement following Xiaflex treatment, while others have a more limited response. Overall, Xiaflex offers a valuable treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture, particularly for those hoping to avoid surgery or those with mild contractures.
Count me in. What’s next?
It’s important for individuals seeking medical intervention for Dupuytren’s contracture and considering Xiaflex treatment to discuss benefits, risks and outcomes with their trusted Iowa Clinic healthcare provider to make the best decision about their care. Xiaflex may not be suitable for all cases of Dupuytren’s contracture. Speak with your Iowa Clinic Primary Care Provider about a referral or call 515.875.9908 to schedule your appointment with Christopher Katcherian, MD, in Hand Surgery and Orthopaedics, and find out if Xiaflex is right for you.