Treating Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a deformity of the fingers and hand that most often occurs in individuals over fifty years old. Typically, the deformity develops gradually over several years. The most common early signs of the condition are a skin thickening or lump on the palm of the hand. As the contracture reaches later stages, several lumps or knots may form and draw the fingers into a permanently curled position. Typically, this occurs with the ring and little fingers. Recent estimates suggest approximately seven percent of Americans have Dupuytren's contracture. Researchers believe up to thirty-three percent of those individuals may go on to develop bent fingers.