Dupuytrens Contracture

Dupuytrens Contracture is a thickening and shortening of the fascia in the palm of the hand. Fascia are tissues that lie just below the skin. This condition causes affected fingers to curl towards the palm and makes extension of these fingers difficult or impossible.

The exact cause of Dupuytrens Contracture is unknown. However, the condition may be inherited.

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.

• Age: 40 and over
• Sex: Male
• A parent with Dupuytren's contracture
• Alcohol abuse
• Epilepsy
• Use of certain anticonvulsant medications for epilepsy
• Tuberculosis
• Liver disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol

At first, symptoms are mild, but they may become progressively worse. The rate of progression varies among people. The ring finger is usually affected first, followed by the little finger, then the index and long finger. Fingers on either or both hands can be affected. The first sign of this condition is a nodule at the base of a finger. A nodule is a small thickening of tissue resembling a callus. In some cases, nodules can be sensitive to touch. Generally, though, this condition is not painful. As contracture progresses, the nodule becomes a cord that extends into the finger and around normal tissue. As the cord thickens and shortens, the affected finger is pulled (curled) in towards the palm, and extension of the affected finger becomes difficult or impossible.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your hands. In some cases, x-rays may be taken as well.

No treatment is necessary when symptoms are mild and do not effect normal use of the hand. In other cases, treatment may include:
Surgery
Surgery is most effective when the condition is still in the nodule stage.
Depending on how far the condition has progressed, surgery may involve:

• Making small incisions in the thickened tissue
• Removing diseased tissue
• Removing diseased tissue and overlying damaged skin, and then repairing resulting gaps in skin with skin grafts

Exercise therapy after surgery is usually needed to restore full range-of-motion and use of the repaired finger(s). Dupuytren's contracture can recur after surgery. Injected Medication Injecting corticosteroids into nodules during early stages of the condition can sometimes:

• Delay the progressive worsening of the condition
• Ease any tenderness that may be present in the nodules

There are no guidelines for preventing Dupuytrens Contracture because the cause is unknown. However, treatment is made easier with early detection.