Dupuytren’s Disease

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Introduction

Dupuytren’s Disease, also known as Dupuytren’s Contractures, palmar fascitis, Viking Disease, or palmar fibromatosis, is a hand deformity that usually develops slowly, usually over years. This disease is caused by the thickening and contraction of the palmar fascia. As the disease progresses, nodules progress to form longitudinal bands referred to as cords on the palmar fascia, and the finger gradually loses extension, with contractures that draw one or more fingers into flexion at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, or both of these joints.

The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown, although, important factors include genetics, ethnicity, sex, and age and may include certain environmental factors and other diseases. It is a genetic autosomal dominant disease, and almost always involves people of northern European descent. Dupuytren's contracture most commonly affects the ring finger and pinky. The disease most commonly affects men older than the age of 40. It also appears to affect others with epilepsy, diabetes, pulmonary disease, or alcoholism, although the link between these various diseases is not completely understood.

The flexor tendons are not involved, although it may appear so in advanced contractions. Trauma may accelerate and in some cases even begin the process.

Epidemiology

In affected patients up to 68 percent of their male offspring will develop the disease. Dupuytren disease is relatively common in the United States with a prevalence of 4%, reflecting strong immigration from Northern Europe. Outside of the USA the disease is even more common. In Northern Europe the prevalence ranges from 4-39%. In Norwegian populations 30% of males over...

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...tments can relieve some disability but that they cannot completely alleviate all symptoms. In addition, intense rehabilitation with an occupational therapist is often necessary after treatment for optimal benefit and relief of symptoms.

Works Cited

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Dupuytren's Contracture." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

Snider, Robert K. "Dupuytren's Disease." Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1997. 198-99. Print

Dr. Aggarwal, Rohit, and Dr. Philip E. Blazar. "Dupuytren's Contracture." UptoDate. Wolters Kluwer Health, 5 Dec. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

Dr. Matthew, Stephanie Danielle. "Dupuytren Contracture ." Dupuytren Contracture. WebMD, 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

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