Dupuytren's Disease (Contracture)

Overview

If you have Dupuytren's disease you are in august company. Both former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the late US President Ronald Reagan suffered from this crippling condition that affects the hands and/or feet. It is named after Baron Dupuytren the 19th Century French surgeon who first described it. The disease can affect both sexes but is most prevalent in men with those over the age of 50 having an incidence rate of between 5 and 15 per cent.

Causes


Scientists do not know for certain what causes this condition. However because it mainly affects those with a Northern European ancestry and often runs in families there is a clear genetic link. In fact researchers have already identified a couple of genes that do in fact contribute to the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Dupuytren's disease occur gradually beginning with a small sometimes tender lump in the palm of one or both hands. Over time perhaps many months or even years tough bands of tissue or cords form and force the fingers most commonly the small finger and the ring finger to curl inward. It is the most common cause of nodules on the hands. The disease can also occur on the soles of the feet. In severe cases its effects can be devastating leading to severe loss of hand function. Sometimes amputation is necessary.

Treatment

There is no permanent cure for this condition. Many interventions such as physiotherapy occupational therapy and steroid injections can slow down the progress considerably and help function. Surgical removal of the excess tissue growth which is designed to restore the use of one's fingers is often necessary. While this does provide some relief even after surgery symptoms may return.