Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the palm, leading to the fingers gradually bending toward the palm. This occurs when the fascia, a layer of connective tissue, forms thickened cords that restrict finger movement. It most commonly affects the ring and little fingers and can develop slowly over years.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture:

• Formation of firm lumps (nodules) in the palm
• Thickened or tight bands of tissue pulling fingers inward
• Difficulty straightening fingers or placing the hand flat on a surface
• Progressive loss of hand function in severe cases

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Exact cause unknown, but linked to genetic factors
• More common in men over 50
• Higher risk in individuals of Northern European descent
• Associated with diabetes, smoking, and excessive alcohol use

Diagnosis:

Your surgeon will diagnose Dupuytren’s contracture through a physical exam, assessing finger movement and the presence of nodules or thickened cords in the palm.

Treatment Options:

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Stretching and hand exercises (may help in early stages)
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and slow progression
• Enzyme injections to break down thickened tissue
• Needling procedure (needle aponeurotomy) to weaken the tight bands

Surgical Treatment

• If the condition is severe, surgery may be performed to remove the thickened tissue and improve finger movement.

If you notice symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture, schedule a consultation with us to discuss the best treatment options for you.