Jupiter Medical Center Physician is First in North America to Offer New Procedure for Debilitating Hand Disease.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers JUPITER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2004 Jupiter Medical Center has introduced an innovative treatment for the debilitating de·bil·i·tat·ing adj. Causing a loss of strength or energy. Debilitating Weakening, or reducing the strength of. Mentioned in: Stress Reduction hand disease Dupuytren's contracture Dupuytren's contracture n. A disease of the palmar fascia resulting in thickening and contraction of fibrous bands on the palmar surface. . The minimally invasive procedure Minimally invasive surgical procedures avoid open invasive surgery in favor of closed or local surgery with less trauma. These procedures involve use of laparoscopic devices and remote-control manipulation of instruments with indirect observation of the surgical field through an is being performed for the first time in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. by hand surgery specialist Charles Eaton, M.D. The new procedure, Needle Aponeurotomy, is performed in an outpatient setting. In contrast to surgical treatment, which often requires several months of recovery, Needle Aponeurotomy allows patients to return to near normal activities without bandages within a few days after treatment. "Dupuytren's contracture can be, at its worst, a life-altering disease. This new procedure helps patients regain control first over their hands, then over their lives. And the rapid recovery is an added benefit to this type of treatment," said Dr. Eaton. The disease causes a thickening and shrinking of the layer of flesh just under the skin of the palm. It can produce lumps or dimples, and can draw the fingers down into a bent position. In Needle Aponeurotomy, the abnormal tissue is weakened using a small needle in the palm. After the procedure, most patients are able to immediately use the treated hand for most normal activities, without physical therapy. The treatment was developed in Paris by Dr. Jean-Luc Lermusiaux, with whom Dr. Eaton trained. Dupuytren's is thought to be inherited, and it usually begins in adulthood for no apparent reason. It is painless and benign, and its severity varies from person to person. Some people afflicted af·flict tr.v. af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on. [Middle English afflighten, from afflight, with the disease cannot perform lifting or grabbing and when the disease worsens, they may not be able to use the affected hand. Dupuytren's disease strikes men more often than women. In the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , approximately 5-15% of males older than 50 are affected by Dupuytren's contracture. Worldwide, about 80% of people affected by the disease are male. "Minimally invasive procedures are fast becoming the standard for many medical conditions See carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome, dry eyes and deep vein thrombosis. and it is physicians such as Dr. Eaton who are helping to speed their adoption," said R. Michael Barry, Jupiter Medical Center CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. . "Dr. Eaton's training as the first U.S. surgeon in this pioneering technique is a tribute to his dedication to providing his patients with the best procedures available." For more information, visit http://www.handcenter.org or http://www.jupitermed.com. |
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