Dupuytren Contracture Treatment & Management

  • Author: Stephanie Danielle Mathew, DO; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD   more...
 
Updated: Dec 8, 2011
 

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Stretching with the application of heat and ultrasonographic waves may be helpful in the early stages of Dupuytren contracture. The physical therapist also may recommend that the patient wear a custom splint or brace to stretch the fingers further. ROM exercises should be performed several times a day. If the patient undergoes surgical correction of the contracture, physical therapy often is involved following the procedure. The postsurgical program consists of wound care, massage, passive stretching, active ROM exercises, and splinting.

Occupational therapy

Through a course of occupational therapy, the patient may learn adaptive techniques and begin to use assistive devices that enhance functional abilities. For example, adaptive equipment can help a patient to open jars, despite contractures.

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Approach Considerations

Prior to February 2010, surgical intervention was the mainstay of treatment for Dupuytren disease despite a high rate of recurrence and complications. In February 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) for the treatment of Dupuytren contracture. Injected collagenase extracted from C histolyticum weakens and dissolves the Dupuytren cords.[2, 68, 69, 70, 71]

Observation

This is appropriate for patients with unchanging, painless Dupuytren disease with minimal contracture and no functional impairment.[72]

Corticosteroid injection

Intermittent reports detail a decrease in the size of nodules. However, corticosteroids are associated with a high risk of complications, including fat atrophy and skin discoloration.[72] In addition, intralesional injection of corticosteroids can result in tendon rupture.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy has been considered ineffective, and it is associated with adverse events. However, a study that followed up on radiotherapy as a means of slowing the progression of Dupuytren contracture showed that when used in earlier stages of the condition, it tended to be effective in slowing the progression. Such a treatment for slowing down the progression would not alter further surgical interventions when indicated.[73]

Triamcinolone acetonide

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog-40) injections of 40 mg/mL have yielded subjective improvement of Dupuytren nodules in some patients.[74]

Collagenase injection

In the double-blind portion of the phase 3 trial for this treatment—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed by an open-level extension—91% of patients treated with collagenase achieved clinical success. Patients in the study were given a maximum of 3 injections at the primary joint at 4- to 6-week intervals. In the open-label phase, 77% of joints achieved clinical success. Overall, 54 (87%) of 62 joints achieved success (90% MCP, 84% PIP). Five recurrences were recorded, occurring between 6 and 24 months and ranging from 20-40° regression. Adverse events included local injection reactions (most common) and skin lacerations at cord rupture.[75]

Hurst et al achieved contraction reduction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating collagenase versus placebo for the treatment of Dupuytren disease. The study looked at 308 patients with contractures greater than 20º. Their findings included a reduction in contractures to 5º or less in 64% of patients injected with collagenase, compared with 6.8% of patients treated with placebo. Patients with MCP involvement tended to improve to a greater extent, as did those patients with less severe flexion contractures.[2]

Complications associated with collagenase C histolyticum are common. In Hurst et al’s study, an adverse event occurred in 96% of patients, although only 3 serious reactions were reported. The most common complications included injection site reactions, peripheral edema, bruising, bleeding, and pain. More serious reactions included tendon rupture and complex regional pain syndrome. To date, tendon rupture has been described in 0.3% of 1082 patients.[2, 76]

5-Fluorouracil

This agent has been shown to cause a dose-dependent, selective and specific decrease in collagen production by fibroblasts and inhibit fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation.[77, 78] However, TGF-beta1 gene expression and procollagen type I and III messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) are not affected. After undergoing clinical trials, this treatment may be useful as an adjuvant therapy to surgery in reducing extracellular matrix production and recurrence of Dupuytren contracture.[14]

Imiquimod

Because it is an immune modulator that downregulates TGF-beta and fibroblast growth factor-2, this medication has been proposed as a therapy.[79] However, currently no reports describe experimental use of imiquimod for Dupuytren contracture.

Botulinum toxin

This has also been proposed as an intralesional therapy for Dupuytren contracture, based on its inhibition of Rho GTPase, which is necessary for the activation of the IL-1 inflammation pathway.[80] As with imiquimod, no reports currently describe clinical use of botulinum toxin for this condition.

Ilomastat

Ilomastat is an investigational medication that functions as an MMP inhibitor. MMP is thought to play a role in cell-mediated collagen production and the transition from type I to type III collagen. In vitro studies were performed using stress-release fibroblast-populated collagen lattices as a model of contraction. MMP-1 and MMP-2 activity was suppressed and inhibition of lattice contraction was observed after exposure to ilomastat.[81]

Splinting

This is most helpful postoperatively or postinjection.

Hyperbaric oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen is another theoretical therapeutic option. Fibroblast and myofibroblast production may cease if hypoxic conditions are reversed by high tissue oxygenation.[82, 14]

Surgical therapy

Surgical interventions consist mostly of fasciectomy.[83, 84, 85] Complete extension of affected joints may be possible with earlier intervention. However, any degree of PIP contracture carries a poor prognosis, and excising the involved fascia may not correct the joint contracture, especially if it has been long standing. Surgery is recommended as soon as a PIP contracture is detected.[86]

In bilateral cases, the initial operation is on the worst or dominant hand. If indicated, the other hand can be operated on 6-8 weeks after healing of the first hand.

The goal of surgical care is to excise the diseased fascia to help prevent progression of the disease, although surgery is not curative. A patient should be referred to a hand surgeon if the MCP contracture is more than 30º or if any contracture of the PIP is present. Functional disability may be an indication for surgery if the patient accepts the associated morbidity and understands that surgery may not be curative. As with all elective surgeries, the patient's age, comorbid conditions, and ability to comply with postoperative care and rehabilitation also determine whether surgery is appropriate.[87]

MCP involvement is more amenable than PIP to surgical correction, even in more advanced or long-standing cases.

A study found that improvement in the PIP joint contracture has a greater correlation with hand function at 6 and 12 months after surgery than does improvement in the MCP joint contracture. The results of another study revealed the severity of contracture preoperatively had a significantly negative effect on hand power, and older patients experienced less functional benefit from selective fasciectomy.[88]

If a patient needs to undergo surgical fasciectomy for Dupuytren disease and also requires a carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome, a study recommends that both procedures be done concomitantly, as the complication rate is not significantly increased.[89]

Consultations

Surgical intervention may be appropriate in more severe cases. Consider surgical consultation with one of the following specialists:

  • Plastic surgeon
  • Orthopedic hand surgeon

Long-term monitoring

Patients with mild Dupuytren disease can be monitored on an infrequent basis via a brief follow-up visit every 6-12 months. In addition to accurate measurement of the progression of the contractures, the follow-up also provides an opportunity to elicit a history of any functional deficits. Further, these visits allow assessment and discussion of the need for surgical referral.

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Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Stretching with the application of heat and ultrasonographic waves may be helpful in the early stages of Dupuytren contracture. The physical therapist also may recommend that the patient wear a custom splint or brace to stretch the fingers further. ROM exercises should be performed several times a day. If the patient undergoes surgical correction of the contracture, physical therapy often is involved following the procedure. The postsurgical program consists of wound care, massage, passive stretching, active ROM exercises, and splinting.

Occupational therapy

Through a course of occupational therapy, the patient may learn adaptive techniques and begin to use assistive devices that enhance functional abilities. For example, adaptive equipment can help a patient to open jars, despite contractures.

Previous
Next

Fasciotomy

Open and closed fasciotomy

In closed (or percutaneous) fasciotomy for Dupuytren disease, a limiting cord of diseased, superficial fascia is incised via an overlying skin incision. This technique can be successful in MCP contractures but is not as useful for PIP contracture, since more than 1 cord is usually present.

Closed fasciotomy presents some risk of neurovascular injury. One indication described is to facilitate hygiene in a debilitated elderly patient who has contractures that keep the fingernails in contact with the palmar skin or produce secondary wounds. Closed fasciotomy has also been used as an initial stage in very severe contracture to facilitate further release.

Open fasciotomy allows direct visualization of neurovascular structures. The offending cord is divided at a point not immediately underlying the skin incision.

Fasciotomy is usually most successful for MCP flexion contracture. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and recovery is rapid. However, the recurrence rate is high. Open fasciotomy is usually reserved for patients who cannot tolerate a more extensive procedure.

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy

Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) is a minimally invasive treatment that is usually performed as an office procedure under local anesthesia. It involves multiple puncture sites and sectioning of the Dupuytren cord using the bevel of a needle.[90, 91, 92, 93]

In a study of 211 older patients (average age 65 y), investigators found 1 digital nerve injury, no infections, and no tendon injuries with needle "aponeurotomy."[94] However, recurrence (58%) and disease activity (69%) were high at 3-year follow-up.

Foucher et al believed this technique was ideal for the elderly patient with a bowing cord and a predominant MCP joint contracture.[94] Limitations of fasciotomy in treating digital disease and PIP contracture were noted.

Contraindications to PNF include infiltrating disease; rapid recurrence in a young patient; inaccessible, multiple cords; chronic digital disease; and postsurgical recurrence in the digits.[94]

Soft tissue reconstruction using various flaps may be performed after the fasciotomy to correct skin defects introduced as a result of the surgery.

Segmental aponeurectomy

Segmental aponeurectomy of Moermans[95, 96] is a procedure that is intermediate between simple fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy. Segments (1 cm in length) of fascia are excised through C-shaped incisions.

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Fasciectomy

Regional (or selective) fasciectomy

This involves excising only the fascia that is grossly involved (eg, in the palm, pretendinous cords and involved natatory ligaments; in the fingers, only those structures that are visibly affected). Although the disease process clearly extends into clinically normal palmar fascia, this approach has proven successful in correcting MCP joint contractures and some PIP contractures and carries an acceptably low morbidity rate.

Areas not treated still may develop disease. This method is commonly used to treat primary and recurrent disease. Skin incisions may be transverse, longitudinal, or diagonal/zigzag (eg, Z-plasty, Y-V-plasty, Bruner-type zigzag incision). Local advancement flaps, including an ulnar-based skin flap[97] and palmar intermetacarpal flap,[98] have been described.

In a study of selective fasciectomy, Hueston concluded that this procedure does not prevent recurrence of Dupuytren disease but does allow correction of deformity with more rapid recovery of hand function.[99]

Segmental fasciectomy

Segmental fasciectomy involves removal of 1 or more segments of diseased fascia through multiple small incisions.

Extensive or radical fasciectomy

This involves excision of the entire palmar fascia, including healthy tissue (in an effort to prevent recurrence). Although this procedure is not commonly performed today, it results in a relatively low recurrence rate of about 11%.[61] It does have an increased risk of morbidity postoperatively, including hematoma in 14% of cases and nerve irritation or damage in 6%. Patients are also prone to prolonged postoperative edema and stiffness. One study concluded that total aponeurectomy was most appropriate for stage 2 disease.[61]

Dermofasciectomy

This removes the diseased fascia and the overlying skin. The wound is then resurfaced and a full thickness skin graft is applied. Recurrence rates are low, being similar to those of extensive fasciectomy.[61] Because of the radical nature of this procedure, it is usually reserved for patients with recurrent or severe disease.

In dermofasciectomy, 2 incisions are made, one from the distal interphalangeal joint of the affected joint to the distal palmar flexion crease, and a transverse palmar incision, to form an L shape. A selective fasciectomy is performed, with partial closure of the incision site. A full-thickness skin graft is harvested from the hypothenar eminence during this surgery. A portion of the palm is left open, and an extension splint is applied. After 4 days, the splint is removed, the wound is cleaned, and the skin graft is applied to the palm. The palm is splinted again for 1 week.

General recommendations for surgical intervention

A fasciotomy or regional fasciectomy is usually sufficient to establish normal function in the MCP joint. The procedure of choice for PIP joint involvement is either dermofasciectomy or extensive fasciectomy.

Amputation may be recommended if digital contracture is greater than 90º or if vascular compromise has developed. Some patients may prefer amputation to the postoperative care required for fascial surgery.

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Surgical Considerations

The surgeon and the patient may choose general or regional anesthesia during the procedure. Loupe magnification is used to aid visualization and detection of the delicate structures, specifically the neurovascular bundle.

A pneumatic tourniquet is typically used on the operative extremity to control blood loss and assist with visualization.

Incisions vary and may be transverse, zigzag, or longitudinal, depending on the region involved. The skin is separated from the underlying diseased palmar fascia and all neurovascular bundles that may be jeopardized during dissection are identified. The neurovascular bundles are often displaced or distorted by the contraction of the components of the palmar fascia.

After each neurovascular bundle has been identified and dissected away from the diseased palmar fascia, the diseased fascia is excised. The MCP joint is often fully corrected with this maneuver. PIP joints may have residual flexion at this stage and may require release of the flexor tendon sheath, as it can become shortened with chronic contracture.

The skin is closed with running or interrupted absorbable or nonabsorbable suture material. A modified skin closure with Z-plasty or V-Y advancement can provide additional length without undue tension. If skin grafting is necessary to close the wound, use a full-thickness graft to minimize wound contracture during healing. Postoperatively, bandage the hand and place it in a splint.

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Wound Closure

Skin overlying the contracture is closed either primarily (using skin grafts) or by secondary intention.

Open-palm technique

The open-palm technique (McCash) involves a transverse skin incision and division of the aponeurosis; healing is by secondary intention.

Jacobsen flap

A modification of the McCash technique, called the Jacobsen flap, uses the L -shaped incision of dermofasciectomy, but healing is by secondary intention.[100]

Synthesis technique

The synthesis technique is a method of wound closure that incorporates the advantages of tissue rearrangement, the open-palm technique, and full-thickness skin grafting. One study showed a decreased healing time and recurrence rate using the synthesis technique versus the traditional open-palm technique.[101, 102, 103]

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Postoperative Care

Routine postoperative care is essential for an optimal outcome. Immediately following the procedure, a splint should be applied dorsally to avoid excess pressure on the incision site. The hand should be placed in extension with flexion of the MCPs and extension of the PIPs. Initially, the splint is worn continuously, with removal only for dressing changes and exercise.[104] Patients who undergo PIP surgery should wear the brace for 6 weeks on a continual basis and may require 3 months of bracing to minimize scar contractures.

The overall goal of splinting is to provide a prolonged stretch to the tissues and prevent flexion contractures. Splinting is modified over the next 8-10 weeks to accommodate range of motion, with the splint worn primarily at night.

A specific exercise regimen with an occupational therapist should be instituted with range-of-motion exercises 1 week postoperatively. A rehabilitation program is critical for successful management of these patients; it helps to reduce swelling, improve wound healing, and restore finger mobility and function.[105]

Rehabilitation following surgery is a gradual process of increasing activity and decreasing splinting to achieve increased range of motion. According to one study, therapy that avoids applied mechanical tension in the early postoperative phase results in fewer complications, with no digital motion lost to extension.[106]

The occupational therapist regularly records the patient’s degree of extension to assist in monitoring the patient’s progress. Maximal results are evident 6 weeks postoperatively. Return to normal activity is expected in 2-3 months.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Stephanie Danielle Mathew, DO  Fellow, Department of Rheumatology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium

Stephanie Danielle Mathew, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, and American Osteopathic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Daniel F Battafarano, DO, FACP, FACR  Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Associate Professor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine; Chief of Rheumatology Service, San Antonio Military Medical Center

Daniel F Battafarano, DO, FACP, FACR is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, and Association of Military Surgeons of the US

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Herbert S Diamond, MD  Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Chairman Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital

Herbert S Diamond, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Association, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Merck Ownership interest Other; Smith Kline Ownership interest Other; Zimmer Ownership interest Other

Additional Contributors

Milton B Armstrong, MD, FACS Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedics, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Milton B Armstrong, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Hand Surgery, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and National Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

D Glynn Bolitho, MD, PhD, FACS, FRCSC, FCS(SA) Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California at San Diego; Private Practice, LaJolla, California

D Glynn Bolitho, MD, PhD, FACS, FRCSC, FCS(SA) is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Assocation, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lawrence H Brent, MD Associate Professor of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Chair, Program Director, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein Medical Center

Lawrence H Brent, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Abbott Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Genentech Grant/research funds Other; HGS/GSK Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Omnicare Consulting fee Consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Roche Speaking and teaching; Savient Honoraria Speaking and teaching; UCB Honoraria Speaking and teaching

David F Butler, MD Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rene Cailliet, MD Professor-Chairman Emeritus, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine; Former Director, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center

Rene Cailliet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Pain Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, International Association for the Study of Pain, and Pan American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David W Chang, MD, FACS Associate Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Theresa Dressler Conologue, DO, FAAD Physician, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Theresa Dressler Conologue, DO, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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.

Evan R Farmer, MD Clinical Professor of Pathology and Dermatology, Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Evan R Farmer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, and International Society of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Patrick M Foye, MD Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

William D James, MD, Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Elselvier

Felisa S Lewis, MD Staff Physician, Department of Dermatology, Madigan Army Medical Center

Felisa S Lewis, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, International Society of Dermatology, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carlos J Lozada, MD Director of Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Carlos J Lozada, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Amgen Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Jeffrey J Miller, MD Associate Professor of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Jeffrey J Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, North American Hair Research Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joseph A Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS Director, Wound Care Center, Associate Director of Burn Unit, Associate Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Joseph A Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Burn Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, North Carolina Medical Society, Peripheral Nerve Society, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, and Wound Healing Society

Disclosure: KCI, Inc. Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Integra Life Sciences Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Clincal Cell Culture Grant/research funds Co-investigator; KCI, Inc Wake Forest University receives royalties Other

Don R Revis Jr, MD Consulting Staff, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine

Don R Revis Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Frank R Rogers, MD, MBA Associate Professor, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Director, Undergraduate Education, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Frank R Rogers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Hand Surgery, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Association for Surgical Education

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard Salcido, MD Chairman, Erdman Professor of Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Richard Salcido, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Physician Executives, American Medical Association, and American Paraplegia Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kristina Shaffer, MD, MPH Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Consultants

Kristina Shaffer, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

Dev Sinha, MD Research Associate/Physiatrist Observership, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Todd P Stitik, MD Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Director, Outpatient Occupational/Musculoskeletal Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey School of Medicine

Todd P Stitik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, Phi Beta Kappa, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Wendy Wing-Heen-Lo Wong, MD Research Fellow in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Wendy Wing-Heen-Lo Wong, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association and American Medical Student Association/Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rajesh R Yadav, MD Associate Professor, Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas at Houston

Rajesh R Yadav, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the previous contributions of Debra Ibrahim, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2008, Evish Kamrava, St. George's University School of Medicine Class of 2009, Jason Lee, St. George's University School of Medicine Class of 2010, Cyrus Kao, St. George's University School of Medicine Class of 2011, and Robert Mathew, to the development or revision of a source article.

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Arrow denotes the cord often present in Dupuytren contracture. Metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint contractures are also present.
Arrow denotes the typical cords of Dupuytren contracture. These cords are usually painless. Note the metacarpophalangeal joint contracture.
This photo demonstrates the presence of a nodule as well as skin blanching with extension of the affected digits.
Ultrasound of the palm in Dupuytren disease of the fourth digit; the Dupuytren nodule and thickening of the palmar fascia with puckering of the skin is noted. Green arrow: Flexor tendon; Red arrow: Dupuytren nodule; Blue arrow: Thickened palmar fascia; Yellow arrow: Puckering of the skin.
This photo shows a patient with an inability to extend the fourth and fifth digits. The differential diagnosis includes Dupuytren contracture, which is a flexion contracture most commonly involving digits 4 and/or 5.
Visible cord characteristic of Dupuytren disease with planned markings for surgical release.
Dissection of a diseased cord.
Normal anatomy of digital ligaments.
Three clinical grades of Dupuytren disease.
Parts of the palmar and digital fascia that become diseased in Dupuytren disease (left). Diseased fascia that is associated with the pretendinous cord (center). Diseased fascia that is not associated with the pretendinous cord (right).
Normal parts of the fascia that produce the spiral cord (left). The spiral cord demonstrating medial displacement of the neurovascular bundle in Dupuytren disease (right).
 
 
 
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