What is Dupuytren's disease?

In some people, a hard strand of connective tissue develops on the ring finger, middle finger or little finger, making it impossible to straighten these fingers. What is going on with these people?

The disease was named after Guillaume Dupuytren who first described the disease. But the disease was already known to the Celts as Celtic claw or coachman's hands. The disease only occurs in Northern and Western Europe. The cause is not yet known, but there may be a genetic background.

The disease is more common in men and usually starts from the age of 40 with a lump in the palm of the hand. The disease develops over a few months to years. In some people, the disease may start earlier and in both hands. They often have complaints in the feet (Ledderhose's disease) and the penis (Peyronie's disease).

The disease often occurs together with cholesterol, alcohol consumption, smoking, epilepsy, diabetes and heavy labor. Surgical intervention is necessary for treatment.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dupuytrens-contracture/symptoms-causes/syc-20371943

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024