Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with Dupuytren's contracture at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Before the visit, note which tasks the bent finger makes hard, such as gripping, typing or shaking hands. Tell his nurse if you have diabetes or if anyone in your family has had the same problem.
What is dupuytren's contracture?
Under the skin of the palm lies a layer of tough tissue called the palmar fascia. In Dupuytren's contracture, this tissue slowly thickens and shortens. It usually starts as small lumps or dimples in the palm. Over months or years these can form firm cords that pull one or more fingers towards the palm, most often the ring and little fingers. It is not usually painful, and it often affects both hands. The tendons are not involved. It tends to run in families and is more common with age, in men, and in people with diabetes. Early on, no treatment is usually needed.
Common signs
- Lumps, dimples or ridges in the palm of the hand.
- A firm cord under the skin running from the palm into a finger.
- A finger that is slowly bending towards the palm and will not straighten fully.
- Trouble laying your hand flat on a table, shaking hands or putting on gloves.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash lists contracture release among the hand problems he treats, and his CV lists contracture release under hand surgery. He measures how far each affected finger is bent and notes where the cords and lumps are. He checks how much it affects your daily use of the hand. He then explains whether to watch it for now or release it, and what each option means for recovery.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks when you first noticed it, how fast it has changed, and which tasks it now makes hard.
Examination
He feels the palm for lumps and cords and measures the bend at each finger joint.
Watching it
Mild cases often need no treatment. Checking the bend over time shows whether it is getting worse.
Deciding on release
When you cannot lay the hand flat or use it normally, he explains the ways the tight tissue can be released, with their benefits and risks.
Release, if advised
The tight tissue is cut or removed so the finger can straighten. A splint may protect the hand afterwards.
Hand exercises
Exercises after treatment help keep the finger straight and moving.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- After surgery to remove the tissue, most people go home the same day.
- A splint may be worn for a time after treatment to protect the hand.
- The finger may not be fully straight afterwards, and grip may take time to return.
- The contracture can come back after some years and may need treatment again.
Risks to know about
- Bleeding, infection, or numbness in the finger after surgery.
- Stiffness, or the contracture returning over time.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if a finger is bent and you cannot lay your hand flat on a table. Book a visit if the bend is making daily tasks hard, or is getting worse. Go to emergency care straight away if, after treatment, a finger turns cold, pale or numb, or the hand becomes hot, red and swollen and you feel unwell.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
I have diabetes and a lump in my palm. Should I get it checked?
Yes. Dupuytren's is more common in people with diabetes, and other hand problems such as trigger finger are too. An examination tells you which it is and whether anything needs to be done now.
Can stretching or a splint stop Dupuytren's from getting worse?
Splinting has not been shown to stop it from getting worse. Forcing the finger straight can injure the hand. A splint is sometimes used after treatment to protect the hand.
Is it the same as trigger finger?
No. In trigger finger a tendon catches and the finger clicks or locks. In Dupuytren's the tissue in the palm tightens and slowly pulls the finger bent, usually without clicking or pain.
Will the finger be completely straight after treatment?
Not always. Treatment often improves the bend a great deal, but the finger may not be fully straight or as flexible as before, and the contracture can return over time.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.