Chapter 59

Dupuytren disease

Paul M.N. Werker

Paul M.N. Werker

Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

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First published: 27 March 2015
Citations: 1

Summary

Dupuytren disease is an incurable fibromatosis of the palmar fascia with variable phenotype and disease course. Abnormal fibroblast activity leads to the formation of nodules and myofibroblast activity to the formation of skin pits and cords that may cause flexion contractions. It affects predominantly white males of over 50 years of age and is caused by a combination of genetic and environment causes. Treatment is indicated for painful nodules and progressive finger flexion deformities and can be injection (steroids for nodules; collagenase for cords), radiotherapy (for nodules and very early cords) or surgical (percutaneous or open fasciotomy, limited fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy). Skin defects can be closed by full-thickness skin grafts or left to heal secondarily. The surgical treatment modalities show an inverse relation between degree of invasiveness and durability. This chapter gives an overview of the current knowledge on this subject.

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