| What is it?
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a thickening of the normal fibers in the
palm and fingers. Normally, these fibers help anchor the skin of the palm
to the bones beneath for stability. In Dupuytren’s disease, these fibers
thicken into nodules or cords and may cause pitting of the skin or inability
to straighten the fingers (See figure). The nodules are not malignant but
will continue to slowly grow over time. It is more common in men than in
women
What are the symptoms?
Most patients first notice a painless cord or nodule in the palm. This may
progress into the ring finger or less commonly the other digits. As the disease
progresses, pitting of the overlying skin may occur and additional fingers
become involved. Tightnening of the cords can lead to difficulty straightening
the fingers. It becomes difficult to lay the hand flat on a table, wear gloves,
or retrieve coins from a tight pants pocket. Both hands usually become involved
however decades may pass before appearance in the less affected hand. In
severe or recurrent disease, there may be numbness in the involved fingertips
since the Dupuytren’s cords wrap around the nerves of the fingers.
How does the doctor diagnose it?
Physical examination and history are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis.
Occasionally, a hand x-ray is ordered to evaluate the underlying joints. |
