$Unique_ID{BRK01389}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is "Dupuytren's Contracture"}
$Subject{dupuytren's surgery cause ill defined symptoms symptom
musculoskeletal system connective tissue contracture dupuytren palmar fascia
palm fingers aponeurosis muscle contraction muscles contractions}
$Volume{N-18, M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Dupuytren's Contracture"


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QUESTION:  I need some plain talk.  I have a condition, my doctor says is
pretty rare, called "Dupuytren's Contracture".  What is it and where could it
have come from, and what can I do now?  Try to make your answer simple to
understand.

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ANSWER:  I can certainly try.  Just under the skin of the palm of your hand
lies a sheet of fibrous tissue known as the "palmar fascia".  For reasons
still unclear, but possibly involving repeated mild injuries, this tissue
begins to thicken and contract, usually without pain.  As it does so it sticks
to the skin which becomes puckered and affects the fingers, causing them to
curl and contract, and lose their ability to straighten out and function
properly.  It is far more common in men than in women, and usually starts
after the age of 40.  Its also more common in people with chronic disease.
It's pretty easy to diagnose, since the effects of the disease are readily
apparent, and you can feel the nodules that form in the fascia simply by
touch.  The disease is a progressive one, but it is not possible to predict
either the speed or the extent of damage it will do.  The only sure way of
dealing with it is to have the damaged tissue removed surgically, since
medications, even injections of cortisone like substances, don't work.  After
surgery whirlpool baths and an exercise program can help rehabilitate your
fingers more rapidly.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.