

Dupuytren's Contracture is a common problem which develops most frequently in men after age 40. It is usually hereditary occurring in people of European and Western Asian ancestry. It is unusual in Oriental or African-Americans.
This usually starts as a painless nodule in the palm. It can progress to fibrous cords extending into the fingers, most commonly ring and little. These bands can cause contracture of the fingers. It can progress slowly or rapidly. The flexor tendons are not affected.

Needle
Aponevrotomy (also known as Needle Aponeurectomy
or NA), a minimally invasive treatment, is now available at Central
Jersey Hand Surgery. This treatment was developed
by Dr. Lermusiaux at theHôpitalLariboisière
in
Dr. Pess visited Dr. Lermusiaux
in


NAwas
featured in the New
York Times and Science
Times. Dr. Pess
and Dr. Atik are listed as two of the Certified Hand Surgeons in the
In May of 2008, Dr. Pess presented his preliminary results of NA at the Nineteenth Annual Richard J Smith, M.D. Resident and Fellows Conference at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.
For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary and a partial palmar fasciectomy is performed. All diseased tissue is meticulously removed and the contractures released. At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, we usually use the open palm technique which we have found decreases postoperative pain and allows quicker recovery. Surgery is performed as same day surgery under regional or general anesthesia. Hand therapy is started within 1 week of surgery.
To schedule NA, please call (732) 542-4477 x206.
It is recommended that you first email photos of your hand. Shoot photos down on the palm with the palm facing up. A close-up photo of the disease and a side view is also useful.
For a consultation and examination first (not the procedure), call (732) 542-4477 or any of our other two locations.
Revised 7/21/2008
A Gary M. Pess, MD Web Page Production