Dupuytren’s Disease

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Dupuytren’s Disease is an abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm.  It may develop in both hands.  The disease often starts with firm lumps in the palm.  The disease progresses very slowly but in some patients firm cords will develop beneath the skin stretching from the palm into the fingers.  These cords may eventually limit movement or cause the fingers to bend into the palm so that they cannot be straightened.  When this happens, the patient has what is described as a Dupuytren’s contracture.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Disease

• The most common identifying characteristics of this disease are:
• A small lump in the palm near where the ring and small fingers meet;
• A ropelike cord may slowly develop extending from the palm into one or more fingers;
• The cord may eventually pull your finger toward the palm, resulting in Dupuytren’s contracture;
• Inability to flatten your palm on an even surface, such as a table;
• Interference with everyday activities involving the hand.

Causes of Dupuytren’s Disease
The cause of Dupuytren’s Disease is unknown but heredity is thought to be a factor as it is often seen in people of northern European descent and often runs in families.  It may be associated with smoking, drinking or medical conditions such as diabetes.  It is more common in men who are over 50.

Treatment
Your hand specialist usually makes the diagnosis of Dupuytren’s Disease simply by listening to the history of your complaint and a physical examination.  Dupuytren’s Disease in the early and mild stages is often just observed as it progresses very slowly and may not cause the patient any trouble for years.  If there is a painful lump, an injection will help diminish the pain.

If the inability to straighten the fingers is significantly limiting hand function, surgical intervention may be indicated.  The goal of hand surgery is to remove the thickened tissue allowing for improved motion of the fingers.  Surgery is followed with splinting and hand therapy for about 6 weeks.  Functional recovery is quite good although the disease may recur over time.

If you feel as though you may have dupuytren's disease because nodules or masses in the palm are enlarging or making it difficult to fully extend the fingers, the Chattanooga hand surgeon at Hayes Hand Center can help diagnosis your disease and initiate a treatment plan, in Tennessee.