For decades in the U.S, sufferers of Dupuytren's Contracture, also know as Viking's Disease had few alternative treatment options other than invasive and painful open hand surgery. Needle Aponeurotomy is changing that.

Dupuytren's Contracture, has many sufferers including the late Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. With this condition, the tissues in the palm begin to thicken, nodules often form and bands form which pull the fingers down into the palm. Usually the little and ring fingers are affected. With these pulled downward, curling into the palm, the simple act of shaking hands may become awkward and difficult. Others have difficulty in activities such as petting their animal friends, combing hair, using the computer mouse and applauding.

For decades, the treatment in Europe has been a "needle aponeurotomy" for all but the most severely affected. An office procedure, a small hypodermic needle is used to cut across the bands and free the fingers from their curled position. In the United States, with few exceptions, the treatment is observation initially and, when the condition has progressed to a severe degree, a lengthy, major operation with long incisions into the fingers and palms is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.

A handful of practitioners in the U.S. have been trained in the needle aponeurotomy technique, a situation that hopefully and expectantly will change in the next few decades. This procedure will change how Dupuytrens is treated.

Terrence Barry

Dr. Terrence J. Barry is board certified in orthopedic surgery which encompasses hand surgery. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Dr. Barry recently completed further training in the non-surgical treatment of Dupuytren's contracture in Paris, France, by Drs. Lermusiaux and Badois, the originators and developers of the non-surgical needle aponeurotomy technique.