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Xiaflex Specialist

Maryland Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Bethesda, MD, Rockville, MD, & Germantown, MD

With Dupuytren’s contracture, everything from putting your hands in your pockets to holding a baseball can be difficult. XiaflexⓇ is a prescription injection that treats “cords” in the hands and helps you regain normal movement in your fingers. To begin treatment, visit Peter G. Fitzgibbons, MD at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division. With locations in Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown, Maryland, the team of orthopedic specialists can help you get back to your favorite activities quickly. Call or book an appointment now to get started.

Xiaflex Q & A

What is Xiaflex?

Xiaflex is a prescription medication used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes a “cord” of knotted tissue to form on the palm. Some people with this deformity may not be able to perform normal activities like shaking hands or putting on gloves.

If you have Dupuytren’s contracture, you may have minor or severe cords that cause your fingers to bend involuntarily. The condition often affects the ring and pinky finger, and it may develop slowly over the course of many years.

The enzymes in Xiaflex help break down the collagen in the cord of tissue, which enables you to straighten your fingers and regain mobility in your hands.

How does a Xiaflex treatment work?

During this in-office procedure, Dr. Fitzgibbons administers Xiaflex injections to patients that have minor or severe contractures in the hand. He can treat up to two cords in a single visit.

You may need a local anesthesia, but the Xiaflex treatment is fast and painless. He administers the injections to different areas of the cord; then he bandages your hand to protect the treated area.

After the procedure, you’ll need to keep your hand elevated until bedtime, and you should limit movement of the affected hand. Dr. Fitzgibbons will give you aftercare instructions and let you know when it’s okay to move or straighten your fingers.

What results can I expect from Xiaflex?

A few days after your appointment, you’ll return to the office for a follow-up visit. If the cord is still present, Dr. Fitzgibbons may try to “break” the cord by extending your finger. If he’s unable to do so, you may need more Xiaflex injections, typically spaced about four weeks apart.

With Xiaflex, most patients recover mobility and a full range of motion in their hand. You might also benefit from specific stretching exercises or lifestyle habits that protect your fingers. While contractures can develop again, Xiaflex can effectively treat them and get you back to your normal activities.

To request a Xiaflex consultation today, call the office or schedule an appointment online.