- Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS)

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that causes a thickening of the tissue that is just below the skin of the palm. This condition produces small and elongated lumps and cords that may eventually cause the fingers to be drawn into the palm.

The disease is hereditary and is also linked with cigarette smoking, vascular disease, epilepsy, and diabetes.

If nodules or lumps are small, surgery is not needed. However if a cord forms the affected fingers will develop a contraction effect that can interfere with hand function. Even after a successful surgery, bands may reappear or occur in other fingers.

Illustration reproduced with permission from Fischer S, (interim ed): Your Orthopaedic Connection. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available at http://orthoinfo.aaos.org.org/.