It is a painless condition that permanently retracts one or more fingers toward the palm.

A knot of tissue forms under the skin, eventually forming a thick band that can pull the fingers into a bent position, and the condition gets worse over time.

Dupuytren’s Contracture most often affects the ring and little fingers. This leads to difficulty with daily activities such as putting a hand in a pocket, wearing gloves, or shaking hands.

No treatment can relieve Dupuytren’s Contracture or slow the worsening of the condition.

Symptoms

Dupuytren’s Contracture slowly gets worse over the years. The condition begins with a hard lump in the palm that is usually not painful.

Over time, the tumor can extend into a hard band under the skin and reach the finger. This rope tightens and pulls the finger towards the palm firmly.

The condition often occurs on both hands.

Causes

The cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture is unknown. More common in men than in women.

Risk factors

• Age: It most commonly occurs after the age of fifty.

• Gender: Men are more likely than women. In men, symptoms may get worse and progress more quickly.

• Family inheritance: People of northern European descent are more susceptible to the disease.

• Family history: Dupuytren’s Contracture often runs in certain families.

• Occupational injuries: Some studies show a relationship between Dupuytren’s Contracture and workers who use vibrating tools.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing Dupuytren’s Contracture.

• Tobacco and alcohol: Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol increases the risk of Dupuytren’s Contracture.

How is Dupuytren’s contracture treated?

The doctor will develop a treatment plan based on:

• The age and general health of the patient
• – How serious is the condition?
• Depending on what is expected to get worse or not

Many people do not receive treatment.

But treating Dupuytren’s contracture can slow the disease or help relieve symptoms.

Treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture may include:

• Surgery: This is the most common treatment for advanced cases. Where the surgeon makes an incision in the palm and removes the thickened tissue. This improves the movement of the affected fingers. Some people have a predisposition to relapse. They may need surgery again.

• Steroid injection: If the lump is painful, a steroid injection may help relieve the pain. We may need frequent injections.

• Radiation therapy: Low-energy X-rays are directed at the nodule. This works best in the early stage of the disease. It can soften nodules and help prevent contractures.

• Enzyme injection: This is a newer, less invasive procedure performed by specially trained surgeons. The doctor injects a local anesthetic into the area. Then the enzyme is injected into the tissue block. Over several hours, the enzyme breaks down and dissolves the hard nodules. This helps it to be upright when the surgeon cuts the cord, usually the next day.

• Needle aspiration: This is another newer and less invasive procedure. Local anesthesia is injected. The surgeon uses a needle to divide the affected tissue. No incision is made but through the skin.

What are the complications of Dupuytren’s contracture?

Over time, the patient may have difficulty using the hand, may not be able to grasp large objects, or may not be able to straighten the fingers.