Dupuytren’s Contracture

These conditions develop due to an overgrowth of the aponeurosis surrounding the hand and sole palmer tendons. There are multiple approaches to dealing with this condition. Radiation is best used when the condition starts to progress beyond early mild tendon thickening. Radiation can limit further progression and may soften thickened nodular tendons. Many patients relate improved function and less pain after treatment. Early contracture of fingers may ease but if treatment is held until fingers are significantly contracted, results are not as good. For advanced cases, some hand surgeons favor surgery or collagenase release followed by radiotherapy to decrease the risk of recurrence.

We deliver treatment following the most commonly reported protocol; using relatively superficial electron therapy every other day for 5 visits and then repeating the sequence after approximately 8 weeks. The dose for Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose Disease is higher than for arthritis and tendon inflammation. A temporary sunburn type reaction can develop.