Dupuytren Disease
What is it?
Dupuytren’s disease often
limits movement of the fingers by an abnormal
thickening of the palm. More advanced cases are
associated with loss of full extension of the
involved finger because of a cord that stretches
from the palm to the fingers (see diagram 1).
Hands affected by Dupuytren’s disease are
usually deformed but the disease does not cause
pain. The cause is not yet known and no cure has
been found.
Who gets it?
Most people with Dupuytren’s
disease are white with ancestors from Northern
Europe. Men are more often affected than women
and the disease usually starts after age 40.
Often the disease runs in families. Some
individuals are prone to a more severe form of
the disease. These may be persons who:
-
develop the disease at an
early age
-
have the disease in other
areas
-
have liver disease from
alcohol abuse
-
take medications to control
seizures
Hand injuries have not been
found to cause the disease.
What are the symptoms?
The first sign of
Dupuytren’s disease is usually a small lump or
pit in the palm. The area most commonly affected
is near the crease of the hand close to the base
of the ring and small fingers (see diagram 2). As
the disease progresses, the cord may develop
between the palm and fingers. Most patients
notice the problem when they cannot place the
affected palm flat on an even surface. In more
severe cases, the fingers will be drawn into the
palm and will interfere with activities such as
washing hands, putting on gloves, and placing the
hand into a pocket.
Progression of the Disease
-
the disease most often starts
in the palm of the hand at the base of the ring
or small fingers
-
a lump or pit may show up
months or even years before a cord develops from
the palm to the fingers
-
the disease often affects
both hands
-
the fingers can be drawn into
the hand at the joints at the base of the
fingers or at the joints in the fingers
-
the skin is often involved
with the disease, but the tendons of the hand
are not affected
 
Treatment
There is no known cure for
Dupuytren’s disease. Surgery can relieve the
pulling of the fingers into the palm, but the
condition may in a some cases return with time.
The goal of surgery is to restore normal motion
to the fingers.
Surgical considerations
-
a lump in the palm does not
require surgery
-
bending of fingers into the
palm is almost always correctable by surgery
-
surgery may not completely
straighten all joints
-
one must remember that
surgery does not cure the disease and further
thickening and more cords can appear after
surgery in the same location or in new areas of
the hand
Diagram 1 (left) Serious cases of
Dupuytren’s disease are caused by a cord that
forms under the skin and prevents the affected
finger from being fully straightened
Diagram 2 (right) Dupuytren’s disease
usually starts as a small lump or pit in the palm
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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