Knuckle Pads Workup

  • Author: Cheryl J Barnes, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 17, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

  • Laboratory studies are not helpful in establishing the diagnosis of knuckle pads.
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Procedures

  • A biopsy is indicated if the diagnosis is in doubt.
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Histologic Findings

The histology of knuckle pads shows changes in both the epidermis and dermis. Epidermal abnormalities include hyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis. Dermal changes include slight proliferation of fibroblasts and capillaries in the papillary dermis. Thickened, irregular collagen bundles are present, but there is little accompanying inflammation. These changes resemble those seen in palmar fibromatosis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Cheryl J Barnes, MD  Dermatologist, McIntosh Clinic, PC

Cheryl J Barnes, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Loretta Davis, MD  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia

Loretta Davis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Gregory J Raugi, MD, PhD  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington at Seattle School of Medicine; Chief, Dermatology Section, Primary and Specialty Care Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center of Seattle

Gregory J Raugi, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Knuckle pad over the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Multiple knuckle pads on various joints of the hand.
 
 
 
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