Approved by Health Canada, Xiaflex has recently been marketed in Canada for the treatment of contractures of the fingers of Dupuytren’s contracture. The results obtained with this non-surgical treatment are quick and recovery is short.

Xiaflex frees the contractures of the fingers in people with Dupuytren’s Disease.  This medication is injected into the affected areas of the hand without anesthesia. This medication consists of collagenase enzymes that can release contractures. Treatment with the Xiaflex collagenase is now used since 2010 in the United States and its popularity continues to grow.

At the initial meeting with your surgeon, he will explain you in detail the procedure of Xiaflex injection. The treatment is simple and effective. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes and you can return to your normal activities within days after the injections. Even if the vast majority of patients require only one injection per finger, other injections may be necessary.

During treatment, your surgeon will proceed with the Xiaflex injection using a fine needle into the affected palmar and/ or digital cord. A second meeting with your surgeon is required at least 24 hours after injection to bring the finger in extension. This last procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.

In some cases of Dupuytren’s Disease, it is possible that the injection of Xiaflex treatment is not indicated. The surgeon will then offer you other options. A discussion with your surgeon and a clinical assessment will give you a fair idea about the possible treatments for your condition.

Risks

Since it is not an invasive surgery, the risks of complications associated with injections of Xiaflex remain rare. When they occur, complications are only temporary in most cases.
The main complication that can occur following the injection of Xiaflex is a slight accumulation of blood under the skin. This complication usually mild and disappears within days of treatment. It is also possible to develop mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site usually disappears within days of treatment. If necessary, anti- inflammatory drugs may help reduce pain.

To learn more about hand surgery and Dupuytren’s Disease, please contact us at (514) 939-1416, ‎extension 4.

You can also visit Dr Mario Luc’s website at: www.ChirurgieInnovation.ca