What Is Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a result of Dupuytren's disease. Dupuytren's disease is a slow growing, progressive condition of unknown origin affecting the tissues just beneath the skin in the hand and fingers. In Dupuytrens disease, these tissues thicken and often producing lumps or nodules. Thickened tissues may contract. If contracting tissue attaches to the undersurface of skin, a dimple occurs.
When tissues attached to the bases of the fingers shorten, the fingers may pull toward the palm. A prominent band or cord may appear. A Dupuytren's Contracture occurs when the fingers are restricted and can no longer straighten completely.
In advanced stages of a Dupuytren's contracture, fingers may curl well into the palm. Although any finger may be affected, most commonly it is the little (pinky) and ring finger. In diabetics, the long and ring fingers are more common.
Although a Dupuytren's contracture may be treated successfully, there is no known cure for Dupuytren's disease.
Incidence
The incidence is 7.3 per 1,000 in whites, 2.4 per 1,000 in Hispanics, 1.3 per 1,000 in blacks and .7 per 1,000 in Asians. It is most common in people with Northern European or Scandinavian ancestry (an estimated 30% of Norwegians are affected).
Predisposing conditions
- It often occurs in families; a genetic predisposition.
- Males are more frequently affected than females.
- The incidence increases after the age of fifty.
- Between 16% and 32% of all diabetics are affected.
- It is more common in those individuals with seizure disorders or thyroid problems.
- There is an association with smoking and drinking.
- A previous injury, infection, the use of vibrating tools, operation in or on the same hand or forearm often precedes the onset of a contracture.
Guillaume Dupuytren
This disease is named after the renowned French physician who first observed it in the early 1800's.