Xiaflex a New Treatment for Dupuytren`s Contracture

Dupuytren`s contracture is a condition in which the fingers become bent and contracted, making it difficult to straighten them. It is caused by the thickening and scarring of the connective tissue in the palm of the hand. While surgical procedures have been the traditional treatment for this condition, a new non-surgical treatment called Xiaflex has emerged as a promising alternative.

Xiaflex is a prescription medication that is injected directly into the affected area of the hand. It contains an enzyme called collagenase, which breaks down the collagen that is causing the contraction in the fingers. This allows the fingers to straighten and improves mobility.

The use of Xiaflex was approved by the FDA in 2010, and since then, it has become a popular treatment option for Dupuytren`s contracture. It is especially helpful for patients who have mild to moderate contractures and who want to avoid surgery.

One of the benefits of Xiaflex is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. The injection is performed in the office and only takes a few minutes to complete. Patients can go home immediately after the injection and resume their normal activities within a few days.

Another benefit of Xiaflex is that it has a high success rate. Clinical trials have shown that Xiaflex can effectively straighten the fingers in more than 70% of cases. This success rate is comparable to that of surgical procedures, but Xiaflex offers the added benefit of being less invasive.

However, Xiaflex does have some potential side effects. The most common side effect is pain at the injection site, but other possible side effects include swelling, bruising, and numbness. Patients may also experience a temporary loss of grip strength, but this typically resolves within a few weeks.

Overall, Xiaflex is a safe and effective treatment option for Dupuytren`s contracture. It offers patients a non-surgical alternative that can help improve finger mobility and quality of life. If you are suffering from Dupuytren`s contracture, talk to your doctor about whether Xiaflex may be right for you.