Dupuytren's disease is caused by the body laying down cells that form scar tissue over normal fascia bands (the bands that give shape to your hand and keep the muscles in place). It is the sort of scar tissue with contractile potential.
An injection was developed called Collagenase, marketed as Xiapex. This breaks down collagen which is the building block for the proteins in the hand. It has a preference for the type of collagen in scar tissue, so blood vessels and nerves should be ok, but skin can be weakened occasionally. Usually an extension maneuver would be performed pulling the finger straight, around 48 hours after the injection. This usually achieves a good correction.
Injections of collagenase are preferred for Dupuytren's disease affecting the palm. By the time the disease has progressed to the finger, it will have pulled the blood vessel and nerve around it, and it becomes difficult to predict exactly where they are, leading to concerns about accidental injury.
Collagenase is not currently available in the UK. It may become available again in the future if the company who hold the patent re-market it for use in the hand.
Instead, great results can be achieved with needle fasciotomy - a procedure to cut through the cord with the sharp end of a needle.
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