Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture (Dupuytren's disease)occurs when cords of shortened connective tissue prevent you from fully extending your finger.
It's notknown why this happens, but there areseveral factors that make it more likely to develop.
Geneticsseems to bethe most significant factor,as 4 to 7 in every 10people with the condition have a family history of it.
It's also more common and often more severe in men over the age of 50.
As asignificant number of people with Dupuytrens contracture have other family members with the condition, it's thoughtto bean autosomal dominant disorder that can be passed onby your parents.
Autosomal dominant means you only need to inherit the gene that causes the condition from one of your parents, rather than both.
Dupuytren's contracture is also more common in people of northern European descent, which suggests that genes play a role in the condition.
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There are a number ofhealth problems that may also increase your chances of developing Dupuytrens contracture:
However, many people with Dupuytrens contracture aren't affected by these problems and some studies suggest that the link isn't significant.
A previous injury to the hand such as a broken wrist has also been associated with an increased risk of Dupuytren's contracture, but it's not clear how this may lead to the condition.
Dupuytren's contracture is generally not thought to be related to manual work or using vibrating tools, although some recent studies suggest there may be a link.
Read about Dupuytrens contracture (Dupuytren's disease), whichaffects the hands and fingers and causes one or more fingers to bend into the palm of the hand.
The first symptom of Dupuytren's contracture (Dupuytren's disease) is usually the growth of small lumps of tissue called nodules on the palm of your hand.
Dupuytren's contracture (Dupuytren's disease) occurs when cords of shortened connective tissue prevent you from fully extending your finger.
See your GP if you think you have Dupuytren's contracture (Dupuytren's disease). The first step is to examine your palm and hand for signs of the condition.
Treatment for Dupuytren's contracture (Dupuytren's disease) is usually only required if the condition affects the function of your hand. Many cases are mild and don't need to be treated.
Recovering full or partial function of the hand following hand surgery for Dupuytrens contracture can take a long time.