Dupuytren’s Contracture: What You Need to Know

Dupuytren’s contracture is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects the hand. It develops slowly, can interfere with everyday activities, and is frequently painless, making it easy to overlook in its early stages. This article provides a clear, medically accurate overview of Dupuytren’s contracture, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment options, in language accessible to a general audience.

Overview / Definition

Dupuytren’s contracture is a chronic condition of the hand in which the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm (the palmar fascia) becomes thickened and shortened over time. This process can cause one or more fingers—most commonly the ring and little fingers—to bend permanently toward the palm and lose normal extension.

Key points to understand:

• It is not caused by a problem in the muscles or tendons
• The condition typically progresses slowly over years
• It is usually not painful, especially in later stages

Causes or Risk Factors

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not fully understood, but it is considered a fibroproliferative disorder, meaning abnormal growth of fibrous tissue.

Several risk factors have been consistently identified:

• Genetic predisposition
  • Strongly associated with Northern European ancestry
  • Often runs in families
• Age
  • More common after age 50
• Sex
  • Occurs more frequently and more severely in males
• Medical conditions
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Epilepsy
• Lifestyle factors
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Excessive alcohol use

Importantly, routine hand use, typing, or manual labor do not cause Dupuytren’s contracture, although these are common misconceptions.

Symptoms or Clinical Presentation

Dupuytren’s contracture typically progresses through recognizable stages:

Early Signs

• Small, firm nodules or lumps in the palm
• Thickened skin that may appear puckered or dimpled

Progressive Changes

• Formation of cord-like bands under the skin
• Gradual loss of finger extension
• Difficulty placing the hand flat on a surface

Advanced Symptoms

• Fixed finger flexion (contracture)
• Interference with activities such as:
  • Shaking hands
  • Wearing gloves
  • Gripping large objects

Despite visible changes, pain is usually minimal or absent.

Diagnosis or Screening

Dupuytren’s contracture is primarily a clinical diagnosis, meaning it is based on physical examination rather than imaging or lab tests.

Common diagnostic features include:

• Palpable nodules or cords in the palm
• Limited extension of one or more fingers
• A positive tabletop test (inability to lay the hand flat on a table)

Imaging studies are generally unnecessary unless another condition is suspected.

Treatment or Management Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture, how quickly it is progressing, and how much it affects hand function.

Observation

• Appropriate for mild cases with minimal functional impact
• Regular monitoring may be recommended

Nonsurgical Interventions

• Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections
  • Enzyme injection that helps dissolve the fibrous cord
• Needle aponeurotomy
  • Minimally invasive technique that weakens the cord using a needle

Surgical Options

• Limited fasciectomy
  • Removal of the affected fascia
• Typically reserved for more advanced or recurrent cases

While treatment can improve finger extension, recurrence is possible, and no intervention is considered curative.

Prevention or Lifestyle Considerations

There is no proven method to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture, especially in individuals with genetic risk. However, general health measures may be beneficial:

• Avoid smoking
• Limit excessive alcohol consumption
• Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes
• Seek medical evaluation for early changes in hand structure

Early assessment may allow for more treatment options and better functional outcomes.

Conclusion

Dupuytren’s contracture is a slowly progressive hand condition caused by abnormal thickening of connective tissue in the palm. While often painless, it can lead to significant finger stiffness and functional limitations over time. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and available treatment options allows for informed discussions with healthcare providers and timely management when needed.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individuals concerned about symptoms or hand function should consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and guidance.