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Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren’s Contracture: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

The condition Dupuytren's contracture affects the fingers and palm of the hand. The finger bends into the palm and remains flexed for a period of time. Getting hands-on with the kids, writing, and putting on gloves can be difficult due to this. We will explain in this blog post what causes Dupuytren’s contracture, how it is diagnosed, what treatments are available, and how to prevent its progression.

Causes of Dupuytren’s Contracture

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown. However, some factors may increase the risk of developing it. These include:

  • Family history: Dupuytren’s contracture tends to run in families. If you have a parent or a sibling with this condition, you are more likely to have it too.

  • Age: Dupuytren’s contracture usually occurs after the age of 50. It is more common in older people.

  • Sex: Men are more likely to develop Dupuytren’s contracture than women. Men also tend to have more severe symptoms and faster progression of the condition.

  • Ancestry: People of Northern European descent, especially those with Viking or Celtic ancestry, are at higher risk of developing Dupuytren’s contracture.

  • Medical conditions: Some medical conditions may increase the risk of Dupuytren’s contracture. These include diabetes, alcoholism, smoking, thyroid problems, liver disease, and epilepsy.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture

The symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture develop gradually over years. It typically begins with a small, hard lump or nodule under the skin of the palm. The lump may or may not be painful. As time goes on, the lump can develop into a thick cord that pulls the finger toward the palm. When the finger becomes bent, it cannot be straightened completely. Ring fingers, little fingers, and middle fingers are most commonly affected. One or both hands can be affected by the condition.

Diagnosis of Dupuytren’s Contracture

An examination of the hand is used to diagnose Dupuytren's contracture. Under the skin of the palm and fingers, the doctor looks for signs of thickening and shortening. It is usually not necessary to perform blood tests or imaging tests to diagnose Dupuytren's contracture. Instead, the doctor will evaluate the fingers' range of motion and strength.

Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture

A cure for Dupuytren's contracture is not available. However, there are treatments that can relieve symptoms and slow down its progression. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's preference.

  • The injection of corticosteroid medication into the affected area reduces inflammation and pain while softening the tissue and delaying its thickening.

  • Injections of collagenase: Injecting collagenase into the affected area can loosen the cord and allow more finger movement.

  • It involves inserting a thin needle into the affected area and cutting through the cord using small back-and-forth movements. This can release the tension on the finger and improve its range of motion.

  • A surgical procedure can provide more lasting results than other treatments, but it also carries more risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, scarring, and recurrence of the condition.

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