Dupuytren's disease. Causes & Symptoms

What are the signs of Dupuytren's disease?

Knotted and stringy hardening can initially be felt in the layer between the skin and the tendons. Generally, there is no pain. Contrary to the common assumption, the flexor tendon is not affected. As the disease progresses, these growths may spread further and the fingers flex even more due to the tension caused by the reduced tissue. This leads to the finger not being able to be fully extended. With the growth of tissue, the nerves and vessels may be impaired in their function, and there may be a loss of sensation in the fingers or malfunctions in the blood flow. The main problem is that the gripping function of the affected person's hand is severely restricted by the limitation of the finger extension and the affected finger frequently remains fixed on objects.

How does Dupuytren's disease develop?

The exact causes of Dupuytren disease are not yet known today. In addition to a hereditary predisposition, external trigger factors are discussed, such as an injury. But an influence of growth hormones at the cellular level is also assumed. As well as having a hereditary tendency, Dupuytren's disease is also described as having a high occurrence amongst diabetics and epileptics and occuring in connection with excessive alcohol consumption. At the beginning of the disease, strands and nodular changes form, mostly in the palm. Later, the aforementioned inhibition in extending / flexion contracture of the fingers can be observed. Most often, a Dupuytren's contracture occurs in the little finger and the ring finger; the other fingers, including the thumb, are rarely affected.

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Lukas

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Bernhard Lukas


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