Musculoskeletal

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a hand deformity that usually develops over years, in which the tissue beneath the skin of the palm — the fascia — thickens and tightens over time, eventually causing one or more fingers to curl inward. It most commonly affects the ring finger and little finger and can make it difficult to use the hand fully.

4

Symptoms

3

Causes

4

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Dupuytren's Contracture. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Firm lumps or nodules in the palm
  • Cords of tissue forming under skin of palm
  • Fingers bending toward palm and unable to fully straighten
  • Difficulty picking up or grasping objects

Causes

  • Exact cause unknown
  • Genetic predisposition (Northern European ancestry)
  • Possible fibroblast overgrowth in fascia

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Tabletop test
  • Ultrasound

Treatment

  • Observation (mild cases)
  • Needling (percutaneous needle fasciotomy)
  • Collagenase injection (Xiaflex)
  • Surgery (fasciectomy)

Risk Factors

  • Age (over 50)
  • Male sex
  • Northern European ancestry
  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol use
  • Smoking

Prevention

  • No proven prevention

Prevalence

Affects approximately 5% of Americans, more common in men over 50.