Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position. It is named after Guillaume Dupuytren, who first described the underlying mechanism of action, followed by the first successful operation in 1831 and publication of the results in The Lancet in 1834. It usually begins as small, hard just under the skin of the palm, then worsens over time until the fingers can no longer be fully straightened. While typically not painful, some aching or itching, or pain, may be present. The ring finger followed by the little and middle fingers are most commonly affected. It can affect one or both hands. The condition can interfere with activities such as preparing food, writing, putting the hand in a tight pocket, putting on gloves, or shaking hands.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·One or more fingers permanently bent in a flexed position, hard nodule just under the skin of the palm
Causes — why it happens
- ·Unknown
How it's found
- ·Based on symptoms
Treatment
- · injections, clostridial collagenase injections,
Complications
- ·Trouble preparing food or writing