According to
a study, approximately 15 million Americans have Dupuytren’s Contracture,
aged 35 and older. The Viking disease of the hands is progressive and shows
different symptoms at different stages. In the beginning, the affected
person will notice a thickening in the palm of the skin. As the disease
progresses, the thickened skin may form hard lumps, leading to the curling of
the fingers.
People who may be at risk of developing Dupuytren’s Contracture:
- People over the age of 50.
- People with a family history of Dupuytren’s Contracture.
- Men are at a higher risk than women.
- People with certain health conditions.
- People who drink and smoke more.
Salvage treatment for Viking disease of hands
There are times when
surgical and non-surgical treatments don’t work as expected, or when the
disease continues to advance despite treatment. In some cases, the contracture
of the fingers progresses to the degree that it is no longer treatable; that
calls for a salvage procedure.
Salvage treatment is not used to fix a problem but to make the situation as tolerable as possible. Some salvage procedures include:
- Joint fusion.
- External fixation.
- Amputation.
These treatments are
reserved for the most severe cases of Dupuytren’s Contracture or Viking disease
which have typically failed more traditional treatments. Consult your
doctor before you undergo any treatment.
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