Dupuytren's disease, or contracture, is a hand deformity that usually slowly develops over decades, MayoClinic.com says. Dupuytren's contracture involves the thickening of the fibrous tissue layer underneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Dupuytren's contracture is painless; however, the contracture of the thick tissue layer can cause fingers to flex or curl down. Nonsurgical treatments are first attempted, but surgery may be required if the disease progresses. A patient should be aware of possible complications of surgical correction.
Potential Nerve Damage
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says nerve damage is a rare but possible complication of Dupuytren's contracture corrective surgery. The surgeon attempts to remove the thickened tissue from the palm of the hand. In some cases, thickened tissue may be in close proximity to surrounding nerves in the palm of the hand or the fingers. In order to remove the diseased tissue, the surgeon may need to remove nerves in the palm or fingers. Because the majority of the nerves in the palm and fingers are sensory in nature, the patient will likely experience numbness in the area of nerve damage. Rarely does the patient experience deficits in movement or strength.
Potential Blood Vessel Damage
The AAOS says a patient may experience excessive bleeding after Dupuytren's contracture surgery. This occurs because blood vessels in the hand may be damaged during surgery. This can result in excessive swelling of the hand or fingers after surgery. Furthermore, this can result in reduced blood flow to distal parts of the fingers, which may cause numbness, tingling or a bluish tint noticed at the tips of the fingers. In this case, blood vessels may heal over time; however, a second surgery may be required to repair damaged blood vessels. Thus, a patient should not hesitate to tell his doctor that he's noticing symptoms of blood vessel damage.
Potential Infection
Every surgery carries a risk of infection, including Dupuytren's contracture surgery, according to the AAOS. An infection may occur because the bacteria on the skin, surgical instruments or surgeon may enter the wound. This may result in an infection of the skin, deeper tissue inside the hand or of the entire body in more severe cases. A patient should let his doctor know if he experiences excessive pain, warmth, redness or drainage from the surgical site. In addition, he should seek immediate medical attention if he experiences fever, chills or night sweats after surgery. This may be a sign of a serious infection. Early recognition and treatment of an infection can prevent its spread and reduce the severity.
Permanent Stiffness
The AAOS says permanent stiffness of the fingers may occur, although rare. This complication generally occurs when Dupuytren's contracture is extensive and all diseased tissue can't be removed during surgery. Participating in physical therapy and performing all recommended exercises can reduce the risk of permanent contracture after surgery.
Potential Second Surgery
Recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture may occur in 20 percent of patients, the AAOS says. Although the cause is not known, contributing factors to the initial contracture may still increase the risk of recurrence. A patient can actively perform specific exercises to reduce the risk of recurrence. If recurrence is severe, a second surgery may be needed.
