Dupuytrens

What is Dupuytren contracture?

Dupuytren contracture (Dupuytren disease) is a genetic condition that causes tissues in your palms and fingers to tighten. Nodules grow in the fascia of your hands, forming thickened cords under the skin that prevent you from being able to fully straighten the affected fingers. 

While these cords aren’t cancerous, they can significantly affect hand and finger function when left untreated.

What are the symptoms of Dupuytren contracture?

Symptoms of Dupuytren contracture include:

• Nodules (small bumps under your skin) on your palm at the base of your fingers
• Dimpling or puckering around the nodules
• Long, thickened cords under your skin that pull on your fingers
• Contracture (tight, thick cords that make extending the affected fingers impossible)
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Tenderness
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning

Some symptoms are so mild that they aren’t noticeable. It often takes months or years for symptoms to progress. In the later stages of Dupuytren contracture, it can be difficult to fully straighten the affected fingers. 

What are the risk factors for developing Dupuytren contracture?

Risk factors for Dupuytren contracture include:

• European descent
• Being male
• Family history of Dupuytren contracture
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Diabetes
• Alcohol use disorder
• Vascular disease
• HIV/AIDS

However, Dupuytren contracture can affect anyone, as the exact cause isn’t entirely clear.

How is Dupuytren contracture diagnosed?

The experts at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery diagnose Dupuytren contracture by completing a physical exam of your hand, discussing your symptoms, and reviewing your medical history. They feel for cords and nodules under your skin to determine how severe Dupuytren contracture is. You might undergo blood testing, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests.

How is Dupuytren contracture treated?

Your Dupuytren contracture treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition and how it affects your lifestyle. Your specialist may suggest one or more of the following:

• Bracing
• Splinting
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy 
• Ultrasound treatment
• Corticosteroid injections
• Radiation therapy
• Collagenase injections
• Needle aponeurotomy to release tension in the affected fascia
• Surgery

If Dupuytren contracture negatively affects your quality of life and conservative treatments haven’t worked to restore function, the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery team offers surgery (fasciectomy) to remove all or some of the affected fascia. 

Schedule a Dupuytren contracture evaluation at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.