Dupuytren’s Disease: Causes and Management

Causes of Dupuytren’s Disease:Dupuytren’s disease is a progressive condition affecting the palm and fingers, characterized by the presence of nodules that often lead to hand deformities. The disease most commonly—though not exclusively—affects the ring and little fingers. Epidemiological data indicate a higher prevalence in men compared to women.

The exact causes of Dupuytren’s disease have not been fully elucidated. However, several factors appear to be more strongly associated with its development, including:

• Genetic predisposition
• Pathological conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or epilepsy
• Age
• Excessive alcohol consumption

The disease is not caused by trauma or by the manual nature of a patient’s occupation.

Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Disease

The hallmark feature of Dupuytren’s disease is the thickening of a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin, forming cords that subsequently lead to contracture of the affected fingers. Symptoms develop gradually and include:

• Formation of nodules of varying sizes, which may initially be painful but the discomfort often diminishes over time
• Development of subcutaneous cords due to the formation of nodules
• Finger contractures. In advanced stages, the affected fingers bend to the extent that the patient cannot fully place the palm on a flat surface. As the disease and contracture progress, the patient may also have difficulty fully extending the fingers or lifting heavy objects with the hand.

Management of Dupuytren’s Disease

Although Dupuytren’s disease is progressive, its course is typically slow, and it may continue to develop over many years without causing significant problems. Importantly, the disease is not life-threatening.Management strategies aim to slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms. These include Splinting, which may help manage finger positioning but does not prevent contracture and Corticosteroid injections, which can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation Surgical intervention is also an option and can be performed using various techniques, depending on the severity of the condition in each patient.

To reduce the likelihood of recurrence and to restore full hand function, a structured physical therapy program is essential following treatment.