Update on the management of Dupuytren’s contracture

Linda Vi¹, David B O’Gorman², Bing Siang Gan<sup>3

1</sup>Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, ²Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Surgery and Biochemistry, ³Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Surgery and Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a pathological condition of the palmar fascia that is characterized by the formation of tight collagenous disease cords leading to permanent finger contractures. The disease is most prevalent in Caucasian men, and its incidence increases with age advancement. The most common complaint from patients having DD is the impairment of normal hand function. At present, the disease is incurable and the pathophysiology of DD is unknown. The most common treatment for DD is surgery; however, this treatment is associated with a high rate of recurrence. More recently, researchers have begun to explore the molecular basis of DD in the hopes of developing new, more effective treatment for DD. This review will summarize the history and clinical presentation of the disease, highlight current and emerging molecular treatments, and explore the implications of these advancements for future work.

Keywords: Dupuytren’s disease, etiology, clinical presentation, treatment