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Dupuytren's disease
Also know as dupuytren's contracture or palmar fibromatosis, this disease takes its name from Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, a French surgeon who first described the condition in 1831.
What is Dupuytren's disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is a common, painless and benign condition affecting the hands and fingers. The disease causes a progressive deformity resulting in one or more fingers bending into the palm of the hand. It occurs when there is a build-up of thick fibrous tissue in the palm that radiates into the fingers.
Need to know
The first symptom you'll notice is usually the growth of nodules (small lumps of tissue) on your hand. Other symptoms include:
- unusual dimples on your palm
- a thickening of the skin on your palm
- tenderness around your palm
In rare cases, the condition can also affect the toes and soles of your feet.
If your finger is curling into your palm, your consultant will measure the amount of deformity to determine the severity of the condition. Treatment may be advised based on the amount or site of the contracture. In mild cases, diagnosis may be all that is needed as there is little or no disability.
No treatment may be recommended since there is a chance the condition won't get any worse. If the condition is more moderate, your consultant may recommend a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. In the most advanced cases, surgery may be recommended.
- Enzyme injections. This involves giving an injection into the cord. Over the next day or two the enzyme dissolves the cord so that the finger can be manipulated straight under local anaesthetic.
- Surgery. Some forms of surgery can be performed by your consultant under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake. Advanced cases may need more complex surgery under general anaesthetic.
In severe cases, open fasciotomy, or fasciectomy, is recommended.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.