What is it?
What are the symptoms?
When diseased, these fibres form palpable nodules and cords in the palm, which can extend into the fingers, thereby causing an inability to straighten the finger joints. This is known as a contracture – hence "Dupuytren's contracture".
In many people the manifestation of the disease is simply a few nodules in the palm, with no associated finger contractures – these patients do not require active treatment. In others, particularly male patients with a family history of the condition who manifest the disease at a younger age, the disease can follow an altogether more aggressive course.
What is the Treatment?
Intervention is generally advocated when the patient develops contractures of the finger joints of greater than 30 degrees. This is particularly so for the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, which do not tolerate contractures well and can be more difficult to correct. Contractures of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are fortunately easier to remedy.
Mr. Gidwani will be able to explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques during your first consultation.