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Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Dupuytren’s Disease

Is your finger slowly curling forward over the course of the past few months? Is there a thickening or hardening of the skin in your palm? Has it been progressively getting worse? You may have Dupuytren’s disease.

A Dupuytren’s contracture is a tightening of the tissue in your palm called fascia caused by this disease. Over time, the tightening becomes worse and you may notice your fingers curling into your palm.

Causes and Risk Factors

This disorder is seen mostly in patients ages above 40. Other risk factors include those born of northern European ancestry, and those being treated with certain medications for seizure disorders, alcoholism, HIV, and diabetes.

Symptoms

  • Curling one or more of your fingers
  • Tightening or thickening of the skin on your palm

Diagnosis and Imaging

Dr. Eby and our staff can confidently identify this condition without imaging. Although, X-ray and ultrasound can be helpful to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for your pain.

Treatments 

Early on in this disorder, range of motion exercises may help prevent progression. Xiaflex is another therapeutic injection that can relieve some symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease. As the condition worsens, surgical treatment is often required to relieve symptoms and return functionality to your hand.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021