April: Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition characterized by fingers being pulled toward the palm. The fingers are pulled in that direction by nodules growing on the hand’s fascia. Although painless, Dupuytren’s contracture could eventually make it difficult for an individual to use their affected hand. Treatment may be necessary and CyberKnife is an option to consider.

What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture to Develop?

We already know that Dupuytren’s contracture is a byproduct of nodules forming on the hand’s fascia, but why does that occur? Why do the nodules that cause this condition even develop in the first place? Unfortunately, we still don’t know why those nodules form. However, we are aware of certain factors that can put people at risk of developing this condition.

If someone in your family has or had Dupuytren’s contracture, then the chances of you developing it down the line are greater. You also possess a greater chance of experiencing Dupuytren’s contracture if you have a Northern European background. Dupuytren’s contracture also tends to be more of a problem for men over the age of 50.

Notably, not all of the factors that increase a person’s odds of developing the aforementioned condition are out of their control. Studies have found that those who smoke and drink alcohol regularly are more likely to develop this condition. A person’s eating habits may also affect the onset of Dupuytren’s contracture because diabetes is regarded as a risk factor.

How Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Treated?

According to the National Library of Medicine, around three cases of Dupuytren’s contracture are logged per 10,000 adults every year. Dupuytren’s contracture is a rare disease, but you can still secure treatment for it. You should consider trying CyberKnife treatment if you have this condition.

Dupuytren’s contracture responds to radiation therapy and the CyberKnife system administers that effectively. The robot tasked with delivering the high-energy X-rays needed for this particular form of treatment works efficiently. Radiation therapy performed with the aid of the CyberKnife system can be completed quickly.

More importantly, this form of radiation therapy minimizes how exposed your healthy tissues are to radiation. CyberKnife allows you to effectively address your Dupuytren’s contracture without increasing your risk of developing a more serious condition. To address a rapidly deteriorating case of Dupuytren’s contracture, your best bet may be to rely on CyberKnife treatment.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that can significantly affect your physical capabilities. It’s a condition you must address as soon as possible so you can minimize its impact on your life. Contact Pheonix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center today and experience firsthand just how effective CyberKnife treatment is for Dupuytren’s contracture.

Posted 4/17/23