http://www2.timesdispatch.com/lifestyles/2012/apr/09/tdmet05-your-health-quotcharley-horsequot-muscle-s-ar-1828104/

Dupuytren’s contracture is a thickening of the palmar fascia tissue in the palm of the hand.  Over time this can cause contracture that feels like a cord drawing one or more fingers to bend towards the palm.

Traditionally the only option for relief of Dupuytren’s contracture was corrective hand surgery.  Now the hand surgeons at OrthoVirginia have several less invasive alternatives to offer those patients where this cord of tendons can be felt.

One option is percutaneous fasciotomy with steroids administered to reduce recurrence.  Another option is injection of a collagenase enzyme, (XIAFLEX) followed by gentle manipulation to break the contracting cord, after it has been partially dissolved by the enzyme.

To find out if you are a candidate for one of these innovative, less invasive procedures for Dupuytren’s contracture, please consult one of the hand surgeons at OrthoVirginia.

“This is why we went into medicine …. to take care of people and to provide care to those who don’t have access to it.  The patients are very grateful, and it is extremely rewarding to take care of them,” says OrthoVirginia’s Dr. Anthony J. Shaia.

Access Now, a 501(c)3 organization, is a community parternship, improving the health of thousands throughout the Richmond area by providing access to specialty care for the eligible uninsured.  Access Now links the primary care patients received in safety net clinics to more advanced specialty care. Access Now’s 900+ physician volunteers ensure that no patient goes without specialty care for want of a willing provider. Care Coordinators match patient needs to specialty volunteers, work intimately with patients as they navigate the healthcare system, provide translation services when needed, secure appointments, and ensure the successful transfer of medical records.  Over 2,000 appointments with specialists are secured annually for patients referred by participating safety net clinics to Access Now.  Access Now engages an incredible network of over 800 volunteer specialists who provide their services to qualifying patients who receive primary care at one of the Richmond area safety net clinics. For more information, visit http://accessnow.ramdocs.org/

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VBS supplies lifesaving blood to hospital patients in Richmond, Charlottesville, Farmville, Fishersville, Emporia, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, South Hill, and the Staunton/Waynesboro area. And because there is no substitute for blood, the organization depends on responsible and committed donors in communities to help patients. Not only does VBS provide the blood for nearly two thirds of the patients receiving organ transplants in Virginia, it is one of the largest volunteer efforts in Central Virginia.  Last year nearly 70,000 volunteers donated blood with VBS.