Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease or contracture is a painless fibrosis in the palmar fascia that causes the flexion of one or more fingers of the hand, preventing them from being fully extended. The prevalence of the disease increases with age, being 10% among those aged 45-55 and reaching 25% in those over 75.

The causes of the disease are unknown. Studies have shown that it has a significant genetic component and that there are also risk factors that favor its onset, such as the following:

• Age: it occurs more frequently after the age of 50.
• Sex: it is more common in men than in women, and in men, the symptoms are usually more evident.
• Ethnic origin: it is more common in people from Northern Europe.
• Habitual use of vibrating machinery.
• Some diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or epilepsy.
• Regular consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

The first physical manifestation of the disease is the presence of a nodule in the palm of the hand that may be sensitive but is painless. Over time, a cord can form that extends to the fingers and gradually closes the hand. In the advanced stages of the disease, affected individuals cannot fully open their hand and have difficulty grasping objects.

Until now, no measures are known to prevent Dupuytren's disease, however, once diagnosed, there are treatments that help manage the pathology such as surgery (in severe cases), radiation therapy (especially in early stages), or steroid or collagenase injections. Any treatment can provide early relief as the contracture usually returns over time.