What Is Dupuytren’s Disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is a genetic condition that affects about 5% of adults in the United States. This condition gradually causes the normally smooth sheet of tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers to become nodular and cordlike. Ultimately the fingers become bent, stiff and contracted. When the fingers are bent enough to causes problems, treatment is usually required. Typical problems include the inability to flatten the palm on a tabletop, inability to easily shake hands, put on gloves or even put your hand into your pocket. As you can imagine this disease not only causes disfigurement, but also a sometimes severe loss of mobility and function. This loss of function is often the worst part of Dupuytren’s Disease.
