Dupuytren’s Contracture

An Overview Of Dupuytren’s Contracture

What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a hand condition where thickening of the underlying fibrous tissues of the palm causes the fingers to bend inward. Patients with this condition are unable to fully straighten the affected fingers.

It is caused from excessive production of collagen which is deposited under the skin. It commonly occurs in the ring finger and little finger. Occasionally, the middle finger is affected, but the thumb and index finger are rarely affected. Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that usually progresses slowly over many years and is not usually painful. However, some cases may progress rapidly and be painful to the patient.

Causes and Rist Factors of Dupuytren’s Contracture

The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of developing the condition. These can include the following:

Age: It occurs more frequently around age 40.
Social Habits: Smoking and drinking alcohol may increase your risk of developing the condition.
Medical Conditions: Patients with diabetes, alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, and seizure disorders appear to be at increased risk of developing the condition.
Gender: The condition is more common in males than females.
Heredity: The condition tends to run in families.
Ancestry: Most commonly affected are northern Europeans and people of Scandinavian descent.

Diagnosis Of Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is diagnosed based on the patient’s history and a physical examination without any special tests required. The physical examination may involve pressing on different parts of your hands and fingers to assess for hardened knots or tough bands of tissue.

Treatments For Dupuytren’s Contracture