Pieces of cord and fascia of approximately one centimeter are excised. The cords are placed under maximum tension while they are cut. A scalpel is used to separate the tissues. The surgeon keeps removing small parts until the finger can fully extend. The person is encouraged to start moving his or her hand the day after surgery. They wear an extension splint for two to three weeks, except during physical therapy.The same procedure is used in the segmental fasciectomy with cellulose implant. After the excision and a careful hemostasis, the cellulose implant is placed in a single layer in between the remaining parts of the cord.After surgery people wear a light pressure dressing for four days, followed by an extension splint. The splint is worn continuously during nighttime for eight weeks. During the first weeks after surgery the splint may be worn during daytime. Less invasive treatments
Studies have been conducted for percutaneous release, extensive percutaneous aponeurotomy with lipografting and collagenase. These treatments show promise. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy
Needle aponeurotomy is a minimally-invasive technique where the cords are weakened through the insertion and manipulation of a small needle. The cord is sectioned at as many levels as possible in the palm and fingers, depending on the location and extent of the disease, using a 25-gauge needle mounted on a 10 ml syringe. Once weakened, the offending cords can be snapped by putting tension on the finger(s) and pulling the finger(s) straight.
At 3–14 years of age:
2 major criteria or 1 major and 3 minor criteria. Major criteria are:

ALMS1 mutation in 1 allele and/or family history of Alström syndrome,
Vision pathology (nystagmus, photophobia, diminished acuity). If old enough for testing: cone dystrophy by ERG.Minor criteria:

Obesity and/or insulin resistance and/or Type 2 Diabetes
History of dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure
Hearing loss
Liver dysfunction
Kidney failure
Advanced bone ageVariable supportive evidence:
Recurrent pulmonary infections, normal digits, delayed developmental milestones, hyperlipidemia, scoliosis, flat wide feet
hypothyroidism, hypertension, recurrent urinary tract infection, growth hormone deficiency. Presentation 15 years – adulthood:
2 major and 2 minor criteria or 1 major and 4 minor criteria. Major criteria are:

ALMS1 mutation in 1 allele and/or family history of Alström syndrome. Vision pathology (history of nystagmus in infancy/childhood, legal blindness, cone and rod dystrophy by ERG).Minor criteria:

Obesity and/or insulin resistance and/or Type 2 Diabetes
History of dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. Hearing loss
Hepatic dysfunction
Renal failure
Short stature
Males: hypogonadism, Females: irregular menses and/or hyperandrogenismOther supportive features:
Recurrent pulmonary infections, normal digits, history of developmental delay, hyperlipidemia, scoliosis, flat wide feet,
hypothyroidism, hypertension, recurrent urinary tract infections/urinary dysfunction, growth hormone deficiency, alopecia. Prevention
Prevention for Alström syndrome is considered to be harder compared to other diseases/syndromes because it is an inherited condition. However, there are other options that are available for parents with a family history of Alström syndrome. Genetic testing and counseling are available where individuals are able to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss risks of having the children with the disease.