Dupuytren's contracture treatments aim to straighten your fingers and give you a worthwhile improvement in the function of your hand
If you have noticed one or more of your fingers gradually bending inwards towards your palm and becoming difficult to straighten, you may have Dupuytren's contracture. This condition can affect hand function over time, making it challenging to do things like shaking hands, putting your hand in your pocket, or laying your palm flat on a table.
At Fairfield Independent Hospital, we offer private Dupuytren's treatment in St Helens, delivered by experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons. Our aim is to help straighten your fingers, improve hand function and restore your confidence in daily activities.
With prompt access to specialist assessment and personalised treatment planning, you can receive expert care without long waiting times.
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that affects the connective tissue (fascia) beneath the skin of your palm and fingers. Over time, this tissue thickens and tightens, forming cords that pull one or more fingers into a bent position.
The condition usually develops slowly and is not typically painful. However, as the contracture progresses, it can interfere with your ability to fully open your hand. The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected, although any finger can be involved.
You may first notice small lumps or nodules in the palm. These can gradually develop into firm cords. Eventually, the affected finger may no longer straighten completely.
Dupuytren's contracture is more common in men and tends to develop later in life. It can affect one or both hands. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to have a genetic component and may be more common in people with a family history of the condition.
A specialist assessment is important to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your contracture and how much it is affecting your daily life.
Treatment for Dupuytren's contracture depends on how advanced the condition is and how much it is interfering with hand function.
In the early stages, if the contracture is mild and not causing significant limitation, your consultant may recommend monitoring the condition. Regular review appointments can help track progression.
When finger bending becomes more pronounced or begins to affect daily activities, intervention may be recommended. Treatment options may include:
Your consultant will assess the angle of finger contracture and discuss the potential benefits and risks of each option. The goal of treatment is to improve finger extension and restore useful hand function.
Private treatment at Fairfield Independent Hospital allows for careful planning and a tailored approach suited to your individual needs.
A fasciectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat more advanced Dupuytren's contracture. During this operation, the surgeon removes the thickened and contracted tissue from the palm and affected fingers.
The procedure can be performed under regional or general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes carefully planned incisions in the palm and sometimes along the finger to access and remove the abnormal tissue. By releasing these tight cords, the finger can be straightened.
After surgery, your hand will be bandaged, and you may need to wear a splint for a period of time. Hand therapy and physiotherapy are important parts of recovery, helping to maintain movement and reduce stiffness.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery and how many fingers were involved. Your consultant will provide detailed guidance about wound care, exercises and expected healing timelines.
While surgery can significantly improve finger position and hand function, it is important to understand that Dupuytren's contracture can recur in some cases. Regular follow-ups help monitor long-term outcomes.
The cost of private Dupuytren's treatment at Fairfield Independent Hospital depends on the type of procedure required and the complexity of your condition.
Your initial consultation will involve a detailed assessment of your hand and a discussion of suitable treatment options. If surgery or another intervention is recommended, you will receive clear information about the associated fees before proceeding.
Costs may include the surgeon's fee, hospital charges, anaesthetic costs and aftercare. We are committed to transparent pricing, ensuring you understand the full scope of your treatment.
If you are self-funding, our team can discuss available payment options. If you have private medical insurance, we recommend confirming authorisation with your insurer in advance. Our administrative staff can assist with this process to help make your experience as straightforward as possible.
When you choose to go private with Fairfield Independent Hospital, you can expect:
Our hospital serves patients from St Helens, Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding areas. You will benefit from consultant-led care in a professional and supportive setting, with access to modern facilities and experienced theatre teams.
From your first consultation through to post-operative follow-up and rehabilitation, your care will be carefully coordinated to support optimal recovery and long-term hand function.
If you are finding it difficult to fully straighten your fingers or your hand function is becoming restricted, arranging a specialist consultation is the first step.
To book a consultation to discuss treatment for Dupuytren's contracture with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, give us a call and our friendly team will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
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