Orthopedics:
Conditions
Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand condition where the fingers curl inwards, towards the palm, and are unable to straighten. The ring and little fingers are the two most commonly affected digits. Occasionally, the middle finger is affected but the thumb and the index finger are usually not involved.
Dupuytren's Contracture Symptoms
Patients with Dupuytren’s experience thickening of the skin in the palm and fingers that can look and feel like small cords or nodules. This can lead to the involved finger bending into the palm. As the finger mobility become more restricted, routine day to day activities become increasingly difficult to do. A simple “table top” test can help determine if a person has Dupuytren’s contracture. During this test, a patient places his hand flat on the table. If the hand cannot lie flat on the table and you are able to slide a ballpoint pen under the hand, the test is considered positive and surgery may be needed.
Dupuytren's Contracture Risk Factors
Data suggests an increased risk of Dupuytren’s contracture in people who are:
- Over the age of 40
- Have a family history of the condition
- Male (men are more likely to develop this condition compared to women)
- Have liver cirrhosis
- Smokers and use alcohol
If you have questions, or to make an appointment, call: 404-778-3350.
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