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Xiaflex Injection Procedure

Sep 21, 2016

What a Patient Can Expect When Coming to Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s Contracture is described as a proliferation of tissue, or a “cord,” underneath the skin. It most commonly affects the hand, in between the ring and pinky finger. Those coming to Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates for treatment can expect options, as well as information about each of these options.


Xiaflex Injections

Xiaflex is a drug used to treat Dupuytren’s Contracture. It’s been available to the public since 2010 and is used as a way for people with Dupuytren’s Contracture to avoid surgery. It’s administered via injection(s) to the affected area.


Before the Procedure

As far as preparation, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chad Micucci, who performs Xiaflex injections at MOA, says the patient doesn’t need to take any measures other than educating themselves about the procedure beforehand.

“I give them the brochure and some information to look up online, because there’s certainly some side effects,” he said. “Although (there are) very few, some of them can be pretty significant, as far as the aggressiveness of the medicine.”


During the Xiaflex Injection Procedure

The procedure itself takes a very short time.

  1. First, numbing medicine will be applied to the area
  2. Three areas in the cord are injected
  3. This can either be done by moving the needle, or giving a separate injection to each of the three areas

After the Procedure

After the injection is complete, the affected area will be wrapped in soft dressing. Any kind of heavy lifting is not recommended for the following days. The most common side effects are bruising and swelling of the affected area.

According to Dr. Micucci, this is only due to the aggressiveness of the medicine. The day after the injection, the patient will come back into the office for manipulation. This is where doctors will straighten the affected finger out to release the cord.

In the weeks and months following an injection, a hand therapist will make the patient a custom removable hand splint. This is worn for about four months, but mostly during sleep. This is to assist the progression of the straightening of the affected fingers.


Other Treatment Options for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Surgery, although more invasive and with a longer recovery period than a Xiaflex injection, is another option for serious cases of Dupuytren’s Contracture. Here, an incision is made in the palm. Surgeons will release the cord and clean out the thickened tissue that leads to the problem.


Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture, please contact MOA so we can schedule you an appointment! 304-599-0720

To learn more about Dr. Micucci, visit his site here!