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Tristan de Chalain Limited
Private Service, Plastic Surgery
Hand Surgery
Fractures
These can sometimes be treated as closed injuries by manipulation and setting the position of the broken bones. Often internal fixation with K-wires or plates and screws is needed. With open reduction and internal fixation earlier and quicker mobilisation can usually be done.
Dupuytren's Contracture
This is a common condition (often of a familial inheritance pattern) usually involving the formation of dense scar-like fibrous tissue in the palm of the hand extending into the ring and little fingers and to a lesser extent the thumb and other two digits. The fibrous tissue with time contracts pulling the fingers down towards the palm. Surgery is needed to release the fibrous bands once the fingers begin to bend down. If surgery is delayed it is much harder to get the fingers out straight again and there is more risk to the arteries and nerves during surgery. Sometimes skin flaps and grafts are needed or in extreme cases (often involving the little finger) amputation is necessary as a last resort.