Dupuytren’s Contracture
Definition
Dupuytren’s contracture, also known as Dupuytren’s disease, is a hand deformity that usually develops gradually. The condition causes the fascia, or layer of tissue beneath the skin, to become thicker and tighten, drawing the fingers into the palm.
Symptoms
- Initially, a feeling of a lump or nodule of tissue in the palm
- Thick cords of tissue in the palm that can make it difficult to open the hand or place the hand in your pocket
- Bent position of finger(s)
Pathology
- The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not known
- A family member with Dupuytren’s, smoking, and diabetes are risk factors
Treatment
Non-surgical
- Monitoring of the nodules (for many people, they do not progress or become painful)
- Corticosteroid injection
Surgical
- Fasciotomy to divide the thickened cord(s) of fascial tissue to increase movement
- Subtotal palmar fasciectomy to remove abnormal tissue and cord(s)
- See Post-op Dupuytren’s Contracture instructions for more information