Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. It's common to have it in both hands at the same time.

It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.

It's not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.

It starts with lumps, dimples or ridges on your palm.

Eventually, 1 or more of your fingers may get stuck in a bent position.

1 or more of your fingers are bent and:

• you cannot put your hand down flat
• you're having difficulty with daily activities

Dupuytren's contracture does not usually need any treatment in the early stages.

If it's severe and you cannot straighten your fingers or use your hand normally, a GP may refer you to a specialist for treatment.

The specialist will explain what the benefits and risks of each treatment option are. They'll tell you what to expect afterwards, including advice on exercises to do.

Your finger may not be completely straight after treatment, and might not be as strong and flexible as it used to be.

The contracture could also come back after a few years.

There are 3 main types of treatment:

• surgery to remove the affected tissue in the hand (fasciectomy)
• using a needle to make small cuts in the affected tissue (needle fasciotomy)
• surgery to remove the affected tissue and skin (dermofasciectomy)

Dupuytren's contracture happens when the tissue under the skin near your fingers becomes thicker and less flexible.

The exact cause is unknown, but it's been linked to:

• having a family history of the condition
• smoking
• drinking lots of alcohol
• having diabetes or epilepsy

It's not known if you can prevent it or stop it coming back.

Symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture start with lumps or ridges on your palm. Over time, 1 or more fingers bend and may get stuck in a bent position.

Dupuytren's contracture may not need treatment in the early stages. If it's severe, it can be treated with surgery to straighten the fingers.

It's not known exactly what causes Dupuytren's contracture. You're more at risk if you have a family history of the condition, smoke or have diabetes.