Dupuytren contracture

Dupuytren contracture
A localized formation of scar tissue in the palm of the hand. The scarring accumulates in a tissue (fascia) beneath the skin of the palm that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers grip. As Dupuytren contracture progresses, more of the fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling and puckering of the skin over the area eventually occur. The precise cause of Dupuytren contracture is not known. However, it is known that it occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus, seizure disorders (epilepsy), and alcoholism. It also can be inherited. Most patients with Dupuytren contracture only require reassurance and stretching exercises with heat application. When the palm is persistently sore with grasping, ultrasound treatments can be helpful. Sometimes local inflammation is best relieved with cortisone injection. For patients with significant fixed flexed posture (contracture) of the fingers from Dupuytren contracture, surgical procedures can remove the scarred tissue to free the fingers. These procedures can return function to a disabled hand. Minor nodule formation and/or skin thickening of the palm is not a reason to operate. Sometimes the surgeon can release the scarred tissue by carefully cutting it with a needle. This procedure is referred to as a needle aponeurotomy.

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1. a usually autosomal dominant condition consisting of flexion contracture of a finger caused by shortening, thickening, and fibrosis of the palmar fascia; sometimes it is associated with longstanding epilepsy. Called also Dupuytren disease. 2. flexion deformity of a toe caused by involvement of the plantar fascia.

Dupuytren contracture.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Dupuytren contracture (disease) fracture etc. — Du·puy·tren contracture (disease), fracture, etc. (du pwe trahґ) [Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, French surgeon, 1777–1835] see under contracture, fracture, hydrocele, sign, and suture; see shoulder disarticulation, under disarticulation; and see… …   Medical dictionary

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  • Dupuytren, Guillaume — later Baron Dupuytren born Oct. 5, 1777, Pierre Buffière, near Limoges, Fr. died Feb. 8, 1835, Paris French surgeon and pathologist. Dupuytren was the first to excise the lower jaw and to clearly describe the pathology of congenital hip… …   Universalium

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  • Contracture de Dupuytren — Maladie de Dupuytren Maladie de Dupuytren CIM 10: M72.0 {{{CIM10}}}.0 {{{X.0}}} …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Contracture — This article refers to orthopedic contractures; for other types of contractures see the See Also section below. Contracture Classification and external resources ICD 10 M24.5, M62.4, M67.1, M72.0, T …   Wikipedia

  • Dupuytren's contracture — Du·puy·tren s contracture də .pwē tranz , pwē trənz n a condition marked by fibrosis with shortening and thickening of the palmar aponeurosis resulting in flexion contracture of the fingers into the palm of the hand Du·puy·tren də pwē tran… …   Medical dictionary

  • contracture — Static muscle shortening due to tonic spasm or fibrosis, to loss of muscular balance, the antagonists being paralyzed or to a loss of motion of the adjacent joint. [L. contractura, fr. con traho, to draw together] Dupuytren c. a disease of the… …   Medical dictionary

  • Dupuytren-Kontraktur — Klassifikation nach ICD 10 M72.0 Fibromatose der Palmarfaszie [Dupuytren Kontraktur] …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Dupuytren-Krankheit — Klassifikation nach ICD 10 M72.0 Fibromatose der Palmarfaszie [Dupuytren Kontraktur] …   Deutsch Wikipedia

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