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Dupuytren's Contracture is a benign or non-cancerous condition, which affects the palm of the hand and fingers.
Dupuytren's Contracture typically begins as a thickening of the tissue of
the palm in the form of a nodule or lump. It is almost always painless and usually affects
the ring or small finger. As the contracture progresses, the abnormal tissue begins to tighten and
will bend the affected fingers into the palm. This is usually a very gradual process.
Bending the fingers is not a problem, but straightening them may be difficult or impossible
if the disease is advanced or severe. In severe cases, the contracture may interfere with
activities of daily living such as wearing gloves, washing hands and putting hands in pockets.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Dupuytren's Contracture typically begins as a thickening of the tissue of
the palm in the form of a nodule or lump. It is almost always painless and usually affects
the ring or small finger. As the contracture progresses, the abnormal tissue begins to tighten and
will bend the affected fingers into the palm. This is usually a very gradual process.
Bending the fingers is not a problem, but straightening them may be difficult or impossible
if the disease is advanced or severe. In severe cases, the contracture may interfere with
activities of daily living such as wearing gloves, washing hands and putting hands in pockets.
Q: Who gets it?
A: It typically affects middle-aged males of Northern European ancestry, though both
sexes and other ethnic groups may develop the condition. Some people may develop a more severe form of
Dupuytren's Contracture. These include individuals that develop it a young age, have a strong family history
of the condition, and have other areas of the body affected (feet).
Q: What causes it?
A: The exact cause of Dupuytren's Contracture is unknown.
Q: What can be done?
A: Initially treatment consists of observation. Surgical treatment is indicated when the contracture affects
activities of daily living or the contracture becomes significant. A significant contracture is defined
as one that prevents you from placing your hand flat on a tabletop. The surgical treatment consists of
removal of the diseased tissue, followed by significant hand therapy. Surgery is not a permanent cure
and the contracture may develop later in previously unaffected areas and occasionally recur in the operated
area. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
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