What is Dupuytren’s Disease?
Who gets Dupuytren’s disease?
What causes Dupuytren’s disease?
Other Conditions Associated with Dupuytren’s
Dupuytren’s Disease Overview
Dupuytren’s disease involves the layer of fibrous tissue, called
fasciaFascia
Sheet of fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin.
(pronounced “FAH shuh”), that lies just below the skin of the palm. The
palmar fasciaPalmar fascia
Fibrous tissue that lies under the skin of the palm.
reaches the upper area of the palm, where it separates into bands that extend into the fingers. These are called
pretendinousPretendinous bands
Extensions of the palmar fascia that extend to the fingers.
(pronounced “pree TEN din us”) bands.
In Dupuytren’s disease, the fascia begins to thicken and produce visual changes in the palm. Many of these changes are caused by excess
collagenCollagen
A protein that is normally part of many tissues in the body, like skin and fascia.
build up in the fascia.
An early sign of Dupuytren’s disease is often the appearance of a lump, called a
noduleNodule
A small knot or lump.
, at the base of the finger, over the pretendinous band. As the disease progresses, the fascia that extends into the finger becomes involved, forming a rope-like cord that eventually pulls the finger downward and prevents it from straightening. This is called contracture. Learn more about Dupuytren’s disease progression.
Dupuytren’s disease can affect one hand or both. It most commonly affects the ring finger and the little finger. Contracture of the middle finger may also occur, but is less common. The index finger and thumb are rarely involved.
Who gets Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease occurs predominantly in men. Although symptoms can appear between the ages of 20 and 30, they typically do not appear until later. It usually affects men over the age of 50 and women over the age of 60. Dupuytren’s disease is also more prevalent among individuals with northern European ancestry but has been reported in many racial groups.
Causes of Dupuytren’s Disease
The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is unknown. However, genetic factors (i.e., family history) may predispose some individuals to the disease. The influence of family history does not appear to be due to factors such as shared types of work.
Individuals with a strong family history of Dupuytren’s disease tend to develop signs of the disease at younger ages than those with no family history. Those with strong family history also tend to have more severe disease involving multiple fingers and both hands.
Although genetics may be an important determinant for some individuals who develop Dupuytren’s disease, inheritable factors do not account for all cases. There are other factors that may increase the risk of Dupuytren’s disease, but a causal relationship has not been established. These other factors include:
- Diabetes
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Manual work and exposure to manual vibrations (e.g., from a jackhammer)
- Injury to the hand
- Epilepsy
Other Conditions Associated with Dupuytren’s
In Dupuytren’s disease, abnormalities can occur in fibrous tissues in areas other than the palm of the hand. This is known as
ectopicEctopic disease
Disease features that appear in a place other than their usual location.
(pronounced “ehk TAH pik”) disease. Individuals with more severe, rapidly progressing Dupuytren’s disease are more likely to develop these conditions.
Other areas affected include:
- Knuckles (
Garrod’s padsGarrod’s pads
Enlargement of the knuckles associated with Dupuytren’s disease; also called knuckle pads. ): enlargement of the knuckles can develop before other signs - Feet (
Ledderhose diseaseLedderhose disease
Disease involving abnormalities of the fascia on the underside of the foot, resulting in nodule formation; also called plantar fibromatosis. ): changes in the fasciaFascia
Sheet of fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin. underlying the skin on the underside of the feet cause nodulesNodule
A small knot or lump. and can lead to contracture of the toes - Penis (
Peyronie’s diseasePeyronie’s disease
Disease in which abnormal fibrous tissue causes bending of the penis; often associated with Dupuytren’s disease. ): curvature of the penis
