DUPUYTREN CONTRACTURE

Overview and Facts

Dupuytren contracture is a deformity that typically develops over time in the hand. This condition affects a layer of tissue that underlies your palmar skin. The tissue tangles beneath the skin, ultimately making a thick cord that could drag one or more fingers in a curved position.  

The affected fingers cannot be fixed or straightened totally, affecting and interfering with daily activities, like shaking hands, putting your hands in the pockets, and wearing gloves. 

As of now, doctors don’t know the real cause behind Dupuytren’s contracture. However, the increasing risk of developing Dupuytren contracture is believed to come from risk factors, too. Such as: 

  • Sex
  • Age
  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol and tobacco use

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Dupuytren’s contracture usually progresses gradually over time. The condition starts as a thickening of your palm skin. As it progresses, your palm skin may look dimpled or puckered. A hard lump of tissue may also form on your palm. This lump may be sensitive to touch, yet it’s not painful. 

In subsequent stages of this condition, a cord of tissue will form beneath your palm skin and can expand up to your fingers. As these cords stiffen, your fingers may be dragged toward your palm.

Furthermore, the usually affected are the two fingers afar from the thumb. Nevertheless, although one hand is more commonly affected, it can also transpire on both hands.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Generally, doctors could diagnose Dupuytren’s contracture through the appearance of your hands. Other tests are seldomly needed. 

Your doctor will examine if there is puckering on your palm skin and differentiate your hands from each other. He/she will also touch and feel on parts of your fingers and hands to check for hardened bands or knots of tissue. 

Also, your doctor may examine you to see if you can place your hand straightly on a flat area or table. Being unable to flatten your hands and fingers straightly may indicate that you have Dupuytren’s contracture. 

TREATMENT

If the condition progresses gradually, causes no discomfort or pain, and has a small impact on your daily tasks, you may not need treatment. Nevertheless, the treatment will vary on the severity of your condition, symptoms, and other health conditions.

Treatment for this condition involves breaking or removing separately the cords that are dragging your fingers on your palm. Moreover, these treatment options include:

  • Needling
  • Enzyme injections
  • Surgery

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