Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that develops gradually and causes one or more fingers to bend towards the palm.
It occurs when the palmar fascia, a layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm, becomes thickened and tight. It often begins as small lumps or nodules in the palm. Over time, these can form thick cords of tissue that shorten and pull the fingers towards the palm.
The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected, although any finger or the thumb can be involved.
- Small, firm lumps or nodules in the palm
- Tenderness or discomfort around the lumps
- Small pits or indentations in the skin of the palm
- Thickened cords under the skin
- Fingers gradually being pulled towards the palm
- Difficulty fully straightening the affected fingers
- Genetic factors
- Trauma or surgery to the hand
- Ancestry
- Heredity
- Age
- Certain medical conditions, including diabetes
- Medical history
- Clinical examination
Treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture depends on how severe the condition is and how much it affects hand function.
Options may include monitoring, non-surgical treatment, injections or surgery in more advanced cases.
Please contact 1300HANDOC to discuss treatment recommendations based on your condition.
1300 426 362