Dupuytren's contracture (patient information)

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Overview
Dupuytren's contracture is a painless thickening and contracture of tissue beneath the skin on the palm of the hand and fingers.

What are the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture?

 * Difficulty extending the fingers -- the fourth and fifth fingers curl up and are unable to be easily straightened
 * Painless nodule in the palm, developing into a cord-like band
 * Thickening of the lines in the palms of the hands

What causes Dupuytren's contracture?
The cause is unknown, but minor injury and your genes may make you more likely to develop this condition.

One or both hands may be affected. The ring finger is affected most often, followed by the little, middle, and index fingers.

A small, painless nodule develops in the connective tissue on the palm side of the hand and eventually develops into a cord-like band. In severe cases, it's difficult or even impossible to extend the fingers.

Who is at highest risk?
The condition becomes more common after the age of 40. Men are affected more often than women. Risk factors are alcoholism, epilepsy, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, and liver disease.

Diagnosis
A physical examination of the palm by touch (palpation) confirms the presence of thickened scar tissue (fibrosis) and contracture. Restriction of motion is common.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.

Treatment options
Exercises, warm water baths, or splints may be helpful.

Surgery may be performed to release the contracture, depending on the severity of the condition. Normal movement of the fingers is usually restored by surgery followed by physical therapy exercises for the hand.

Where to find medical care for Dupuytren's contracture?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Dupuytren's contracture

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The disorder progresses at an unpredictable rate. Surgical treatment can usually restore normal movement to the fingers. The disease can recur following surgery in some cases.

Possible complications
Worsening of the contracture may result in deformity and loss of function of the hand.

There is a risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves during surgery.

Prevention of Dupuytren's contracture
Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment.