Dupuytren’s disease: causes, symptoms, and treatments explained

Dupuytren’s disease, also known as Dupuytren’s contracture, is a progressive condition that affects the connective tissue under the skin of the palm and fingers. Mr Andrew Rogers, Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon here at St Joseph’s Hospital, explains the causes, symptoms and treatment options available to patients.

What Is Dupuytren’s Disease?

Named after the French surgeon Baron Guillaume Dupuytren who first described the condition, Dupuytren’s disease or Dupuytren’s contracture causes the tissue under the skin of the palm and fingers to thicken and form nodules or cords.

This pulls the fingers inward toward to the palm, making it difficult to fully straighten them. The condition mostly affects the ring and little fingers.

 

What Causes Dupuytren’s Disease?

The exact cause is not wholly understood, but it is widely considered to result from genetic and environmental factors. It tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary link, and is more prevalent in men over 50 of Northern European descent. The risk of Dupuytren’s disease can also be increased by smoking, excessive alcohol, diabetes, and some medications used to treat epilepsy.

 

What Are The Symptoms?

Usually, symptoms start with small lumps or nodules in the palm. These may be tender at first, but often become painless. As the disease progresses, thickened cords develop beneath the skin and cause the fingers to bend and decrease their range of motion. This contracture can impact everyday activities, including shaking hands, wearing gloves, or placing hands in pockets.

 

How Is It Diagnosed And Treated?

A specialist consultant or healthcare provider would usually undertake a physical examination to diagnose Dupuytren’s disease, and recommend treatment options depending on the severity of the illness. Mild cases may be monitored or treated with radiotherapy, whereas more advanced cases may require surgery to release the contracture and restore finger movement.

If you have questions or concerns about this chronic condition and would like to speak with an expert, St Joseph’s Hospital can help. Contact Mr Andrew Rogers for specialist, personalised medical advice to maintain hand mobility and improve your quality of life by making an enquiry here.