Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that affects the hands and fingers. It causes one or more of the fingers, on one or both hands, to bend into the palm of the hand.
Dupuytren's contracture is caused by the growth of small lumps of tissue called nodules that develop in the connective tissue of the palm of the hand. The nodules are non-cancerous (benign) and the condition is not life-threatening for those who develop it.
Over time, the nodules can shorten (contract) this tissue, making it difficult to extend the finger fully, which eventually becomes permanently fixed in a bent position.
Although the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture are often mild and painless, the condition can be progressive, getting steadily worse over time.
Read more about the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture.
What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
In many cases, the exact cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown, but it seems to run in families. Other factors, such as diabetes, epilepsy, heavy smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, have also been linked to it.
Read more about the causes of Dupuytren's contracture.
Treating Dupuytren's contracture
Many cases of Dupuytren's contracture are mild and don't need treatment. Treatment may be needed if the condition is interfering with the normal functioning of your hand.
In severe cases of Dupuytren's contracture, surgery can help to release the contracted finger. The type of surgery used will depend on the severity of your contracture. The two most common surgical techniques are:
- fasciotomy, where the connective tissue is cut to relieve tension
- fasciectomy, where the connective tissue is completely removed
The chance of Dupuytren’s contracture reoccurring after surgery can be high (up to 50%). More extensive surgery is possible if the condition returns.
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is a new non-surgical injection therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture. An enzyme (protein) is injected into the contracted tissue, which breaks down the contracture and helps straighten the finger.
Read more about treating Dupuytren's contracture.
Who is affected?
Dupuytren's contracture is a fairly common. It can affect both sexes, but tends to affect men more than women. The condition usually occurs during later life, although cases have been reported in children.
The symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture usually starts between the ages of 30 to 40, although women often develop symptoms much later. The condition seems to be more common in people from Europe, the US and Canada.
Ongoing research
Several treatments have been suggested for Dupuytren’s contracture, but there is currently not enough medical evidence to support their use.
For example, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) does not recommend the use of vitamin E cream or ultrasonic therapy. Trials into other possible treatments are currently underway.
Dupuytren’s contracture often runs in families and genetic research hopes to identify the genes responsible for the condition. This would allow the specific genes to be targeted, preventing the contractures from occurring.
