Dupuytren's contracture ocurs when the fibrous tissue in the palm of the hand thickens and shortens. At least one finger is pulled towards the palm and extending it can be difficult or even impossible.
Dr Rob Hicks last medically reviewed this article in January 2008
The precise cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown. It can run in families.
Diabetes, alcohol dependence, epilepsy and liver cirrhosis can all increase the risk of it developing. In someone who's genetically predisposed to developing Dupuytren's, injury to the hand may trigger it.
For most people there's no known reason for it developing. It's not caused by a person's type of job or work environment, manual work or vibrating tools.
Painful lumps may develop on the palm and skin puckering may occur over the lumps. Pain and the position of the fingers may make it difficult to perform everyday activities with the hand. The appearance of the deformity can cause distress.
The ring finger is affected most often, although any finger can be involved. In 50 per cent of cases both hands are affected. It can affect the toes and soles of the feet, but this is rare.
People of northern European descent are more often affected and it can run in families. Men are affected more often than women and the condition is most likely to occur over the age of 40.
Since the precise cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown, it's difficult to prevent.
Avoiding excessive intake of alcohol may help to reduce the risk of it developing in susceptible individuals.
Often, treatment isn't needed if the symptoms are mild. If normal hand function is affected, surgery is usually recommended to release the contracture and improve the hand's function.
There are three main surgical options:
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