Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's contracture is a common disease that principally affects those of northern European descent. It causes a progressive flexion contracture in the digits especially affecting the ulna side of the hand. The prevalence of the disease increases with age and is commoner in men than women. The current treatment is an operative correction of the contracture that generally results in good if not complete correction. However operative release is associated with a high complication rate and although they are mainly minor in nature, recovery following surgery can take many weeks. Dupuytren's disease has a genetic predisposition and as a result recurrence is common following surgery. There is extensive research into the disease to understand the biological basis and to ultimately develop improved treatments that are less invasive and provide a greater disease-free interval.