Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition that causes one or more fingers to curl towards the palm with knots of tissue forming under the skin.
The little and ring finger are the most common fingers affected. Initially there may be small painless lumps under the skin and eventually these may be replaced with chords that pull the fingers into a bent position.
It may be difficult to perform simple tasks such as shaking hands, opening bottles or putting on gloves
Men are more likely to have the condition than women and it is more common over the age of 50.
There is a slightly higher risk of developing the condition in those patients who smoke, drink alcohol or have diabetes.
Surgery to remove the affected tissue is necessary when the condition impairs the function of the hand.
You will require a few weeks to recover from the surgery and you may need to have hand therapy after the surgery to improve overall hand function.
