What Is Dupuytrens Contracture (Disease)?
Dupuytren’s Disease, as it is called in present day, was first described by French Anatomist and Military Surgeon, Guillaume Dupuytren in 1831. Although the condition is predominantly traced with origin to northern European territories, Dupuytren’s Disease is now a world-known condition. Dupuytren’s is acknowledged as primarily afflicting men (age 40 and older) of northern European descent; however, in the past decades, there has been increased evidence that the condition can indiscriminately occur in women and individuals of other races and ages. Dupuytren’s Disease results in an abnormal thickening of the fascia (the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm). It often starts with firm lumps in the palm. In some patients, firm cords will develop beneath the skin, stretching from the palm into the fingers (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Picture of Dupuytren’s with nodules present, but no contracture. In some patients, these growths may extend and develop into tight bands or cords, which draw
