Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine surgeons offer successful XIAFLEX treatment.

EUGENE, Ore. (Oct. 24, 2013) A new, nonsurgical method for relieving stiffness in patients who suffer from Dupuytren’s contracture, XIAFLEX treatment, performed by Kenneth P. Butters, MD, Jason D. Tavakolian, MD, and Heather A. Campion, MD, hand surgeons at Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine in Eugene.

Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine and mentioned specialists are exploring ways to reduce symptoms of the debilitating disease. Dupuytren’s disease is an abnormal thickening of the fascia, which is the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm. Though its cause is unknown, the disease is most common in men over the age of 40 and in people of northern European descent.

“Characterized by hard, rope-like cords, which form across a patient’s palm and fingers, Dupuytren’s contracture prevents normal hand function,” Dr. Butters says. “Over time, the cords cause the fingers to pull inward, so patients can no longer straighten their fingers or lay their hand flat.”

Until now, patients who suffer from Dupuytren’s contracture could only undergo a complex, intensive incision surgery to remove the painful cords. Now, however, patients are feeling relief much more quickly using XIAFLEX treatment, which is a nonsurgical injection that ” melts” the cords away.

“Though it cannot cure the disease, XIAFLEX treatment is very successful in eliminating stiffness and restoring function for patients,” Dr. Tavakolian says. “The recovery period is much shorter than it would be for a traditional open surgery.”

If you have questions about Dupuytren’s contracture or XIAFLEX treatments please schedule an appointment at Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine, call (541) 485-8111.

Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine and its 22 highly trained and skilled orthopedic specialists are committed to providing excellent treatment through physician offices, diagnostic imaging, an outpatient surgery center, rehabilitation services and a therapy pool complemented by physical and occupational therapy, and durable medical equipment services all in one location. Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine offers care for the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle and general orthopedics. For more information regarding Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine and its specialists, visit www.slocumcenter.com, “Like” Slocum Center for Orthopedics Sports Medicine on Facebook or follow @SlocumCenter on Twitter.