It most common in North European Caucasian males and is treated with open surgery known as Palmer Fasciectomy or the less invasive surgical procedure called Needle Fasciotomy.

Dupuytren’s contracture is the thickening and shortening of the connective tissue (fascia) in the palm of your hand. It is a common condition that is benign (non cancerous), painless, but gradually progressive, which means that it becomes worse over a period of time.

More men than women are affected with Dupuytren’s contracture and it occurs most often in later life and affects around one in six men over 65 in the UK. This makes it relatively common.

Owing to the thickening of the connective tissue, lumps or dimples appear in the palm of your hand. Over a period of several years the tissue can also begin to contract (shorten), which causes difficulty extending the fingers. The fingers can eventually be pulled into a permanently contracted or bent position.

The ring finger is normally the first affected, followed by the little finger, and then the middle finger. The condition normally affects both hands, although not in every case.

The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not exactly known, although it has a tendency to run in families. In most people no specific cause is discovered. However it tends to be more common in people with cirrhosis of the liver, epilepsy, diabetes or alcohol dependence.

If the Dupuytren’s contracture is mild, no treatment may be necessary. However if the hand is affected significantly, and normal functions are restricted, surgery may become necessary.