Skin tension in the aetiology of Dupuytren's disease; a prospective trial

Tension in the palmar fascia has been proposed as a factor causing Dupuytren's disease. If tension does stimulate the growth of new Dupuytren's tissue, relieving longitudinal tension should reduce the recurrence rate following surgery. Thirty patients with palmar Dupuytren's contracture of a single ray that affected only the metacarpophalangeal joint were divided into two groups. Both groups had a fasciotomy: one group through a transverse incision that was closed directly and the other through a longitudinal incision with Z-plasty closure. Half the patients (seven of 14) who had direct closure had recurrence at 2 years as compared to two of the 13 in the Z-plasty group. The trial was stopped at the interim analysis stage due to the high recurrence rate in the first group. These results are consistent with the tension hypothesis for the aetiology of Dupuytren's disease.     

Diabetic hand syndrome

Diabetic hand syndrome is a condition affecting about 30% of patients with insulin-requiring juvenile diabetes. Characteristic findings in this syndrome are mild- to- moderately severe joint contractures of the fingers, particularly at the proximal interphalangeal joints in the ring and small fingers, and thickening of the skin of the dorsum of the hand. There is no evidence of palmar fascial thickening or Dupuytren's contracture. Occasionally other joints may be involved, such as the wrists, elbows, hips, knees, and toes. In the case presented in this report light and electron microscopic studies showed that the disease presents aspects similar to those of other "fibrotic diseases" as described by Kisher and Speer. Surgical treatment was only partially beneficial in this patient.     

A congenital hand deformity: Dupuytren's disease.

A 10-month-old child presented with a lack of extension at the distal interphalangeal joint. Despite the absence of trauma, a provisional diagnosis of mallet finger led to treatment using a short dorsal splint. Four months later the flexion had increased and included the proximal interphalangeal joint. Palpation revealed a palmar cord on the lateral aspect of the finger. Surgery disclosed a typical Dupuytren cord and the histology supported this diagnosis. There was no known family history of the disease. There was no sign of recurrence 27 months after surgery in this case of Dupuytren's disease that was present at birth.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in Dupuytren's disease

The aim of this paper was to examine participation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) signal pathway in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease. The study showed changes in the ratio of membrane EGF-R to its intracellular level during the different clinical stages of Dupuytren's contracture progression. Our observations of a high ratio of surface to intracellular EGF-R in the palmar aponeurosis of patients with second degree of Dupuytren's disease (Iselin's classification), which was significantly higher than this ratio in control palmar fascia (P=0.022), would suggest that EGF-R has a role in the involutional phase of the disease.     

A retrospective review of the management of Dupuytren's nodules

PURPOSE: To evaluate the progression of Depuytren's nodules with more than 6 years of follow-up study. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who presented initially with Dupuytren's nodules returned for physical examination at an average follow-up period of 8.7 years (range, 6-15 y). Patients were questioned regarding family history of Dupuytren's disease, family ethnicity, alcohol consumption, smoking, liver disease, seizures, diabetes, and signs of systemic disease such as knuckle pads and plantar nodules. Physical examination evaluated disease state, loss of extension of the finger joints, and disease location. RESULTS: Thirty of the 59 patients with previously diagnosed isolated nodules developed a cord. Twenty-two percent of patients presented with bilateral disease and another 26% developed bilateral disease. Of those patients whose disease progressed 43% had European heritage, 37% had disease onset before the age of 50 years, 30% had bilateral disease, 23% had a family history of Dupuytren's disease, and 13% had plantar nodules. Five patients lost extension averaging 60 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 40 degrees at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Three of these 5 had surgical excision because they had a flexion contracture of the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joints averaging 60 degrees and 43 degrees , respectively. Another 7 patients did not meet standard criteria but had surgery for persistent pain associated with grasping objects (without contracture). All surgically treated patients had at least 1 risk factor and 7 patients had more than 1 risk factor. In 7 patients the Dupuytren's nodule had resolved at the time of follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The progression of the nodular form of Dupuytren's disease to cord-like disease is common but not inevitable. This evaluation of Dupuytren's nodules has shown that at an average of 8.7 years after diagnosis 5 patients met standard surgical criteria of metacarpophalangeal contracture of greater than 30 degrees or any proximal interphalangeal contracture. Age of onset (before 50 years) is correlated most closely with disease progression, and the disease regressed in 7 patients (12%).     

掌腱膜桡侧挛缩的临床特点与治疗

目的探讨掌腱膜桡侧挛缩的病变特点和临床疗效。方法对8例因掌腱膜桡侧挛缩行手术治疗的病例进行回顾性研究。8例的病变均位于虎口和大鱼际区域，表现为皮肤纠集、结节和条索，很少影响拇指的活动范围。均手术切除局部的掌腱膜条索。7例患者获得随访，平均随访25．1个月；1例失访。结果掌腱膜桡侧挛缩多与尺侧挛缩并发，手术治疗总体疗效较好，仅有1例复发。术后病理证实切除的组织为挛缩的掌腱膜。结论掌腱膜桡侧挛缩的发病部位集中于第一掌指关节的掌侧、大鱼际尺侧、虎口部位和大鱼际桡侧，未见累及指问关节，手术治疗可取得良好效果。     

Clinical presentation and types of Dupuytren's disease

The clinical presentation of Dupuytren's disease is discussed with emphasis on dermato-pathology, the nodule, the cord, ectopic manifestations regional and distant, and disease progression. The differential diagnosis also is described with a list of pseudo-Dupuytren's disease cases. Observations by this author suggest that there are two distinct clinical entities responsible for palmar fascial contracture, namely typical Dupuytren's disease and atypical Dupuytren's contracture. These two types seem to differ in presentation, treatment, and prognosis. The characteristic clinical findings of each of these two types are described. The disparity among treatment outcome studies and epidemiologic studies with regard to the prevalence of Dupuytren's disease is probably in part due to lack of distinction between these two clinical types. Accurate diagnosis and satisfactory treatment outcome can be achieved by careful history, thorough physical examination, and keen understanding of the pathophysiology of this enigmatic disease.     

Dupuytren's cord involving the septa of Legueu and Juvara: a case report

A patient with Dupuytren's disease with involvement of the palmar fascial complex and digital contracture is described. A vertical cord had developed in the transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis fibers and the underlying septa of Legueu and Juvara. The cord was composed of a pretendinous band, transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis, and septum of Legueu and Juvara. The cord was attached deeply in the soft tissue confluence of the sagittal band, palmar plate, and interpalmar plate ligament. Involvement of the transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis and septa of Legueu and Juvara in Dupuytren's disease is rare. Understanding of the normal and pathologic fascial anatomy explains their simultaneous involvement and is necessary for complete ablation of the diseased tissue.     

Palmar fascial complex anatomy and pathology in Dupuytren's disease

Familiarity with the normal palmar fascial anatomy of the hand is necessary for understanding the convoluted pathologic changes that take place in Dupuytren's disease. This article includes a literature review and the findings of a study by the author of the fascial anatomy and pathology as related to Dupuytren's disease. Gross and microdissection of the palmar fascial structures were carried out with the aid of the operative microscope and an arthroscope, which allowed examination of the fine and undisturbed retinacular anatomy. The palmar fascial complex of the hand has five components: the radial aponeurosis, ulnar aponeurosis, central (palmar) aponeurosis, palmo-digital fascia, and digital fascia. The subtle constituents of each component are outlined and the transformation from normal to pathologic anatomy is clarified.     

Dupuytren's disease following acute injury in Japanese patients: dupuytren's disease or not?

This paper reports the development of Dupuytren's disease following acute injury in 16 hands in 14 Japanese patients. The patients included six women and eight men. Five patients developed disease following trauma, one following infection and eight following elective surgery. In the present series, the patient age and sex are irrelevant. The disease was unilateral, confined to a single digital ray, and without ectopic lesions in most cases. Disease presented predominantly in the ring or middle finger rays. There were only three patients who underwent surgery for definite flexion contracture. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequently associated risk factor. Our results suggest that Dupuytren's disease following acute injury could be considered a separate entity from typical Dupuytren's disease. At present, we believe that this condition should be considered a subtype of Dupuytren's disease.     

A survey of clinical manifestations and risk factors in women with Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease is very common, with a prevalence of up to 40% in the Scandinavian population. Although many epidemiological surveys have been conducted, little is known about its aetiology. Multiple risk factors in Dupuytren's disease have been identified. About 80% of the affected patients are male. Even though recent data suggest similar outcome after surgical treatment in the female patient, recurrence after surgery is more frequent. To assess Dupuytren's disease in women, a record analysis and a survey of risk factors was conducted in 130 female patients surgically treated at our institution between 1988 and 2005. With a response rate of 52%, 65 women were included (6 patients were confirmed dead). The mean age of onset of the disease was 50 years and 6 months. After a mean follow-up of 7 years and 7 months (2y1m to 21y9m), recurrent disease after surgery was reported in 42%. Bilateral disease was present in 54%, unilateral in 26% right and 20% left hands. The fifth finger was involved in 77%, the 4th finger in 48% and the 1st ray in 14%. Ectopic lesions were seen in 19%, with a positive family history in 55%. Only one patient had a confirmed alcohol abuse; 22% were smokers. There were 32% manual workers. Shoulder pain was present in 54% of the patients, with confirmed diagnosis of frozen shoulder syndrome in 45%. High cholesterol was diagnosed in 39% and only 6% had diabetes. Epilepsy was seen in 5%. High disease recurrence and factors related to an aggressive course of the disease are present in female patients with Dupuytren's contracture, with a high family history occurrence, bilateral disease and associated Ledderhose disease. Several known risk factors were present: high cholesterol, smoking and manual work. Frozen shoulder showed a very high prevalence in women with Dupuytren's disease.     

Possible role of plasminogen activator content of the palmar nodules in recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture

Increased amounts of plasminogen activator enzymes were found in the large Dupuytren's nodules in the so-called active phase of the disease. A prospective study in 15 patients who had operations investigated possible relationships between fibrinolytic capacity of the palmar nodules (assessed by the fibrin plate method) and the recurrence of contracture. There were substantial analogies and suggestive connections with the results of previous electron microscopic studies. Combined with the presence of myofibroblasts, the high increase of plasminogen activator enzymes in the fascial nodules may be regarded as a predictive marker for possible recurrence after surgical treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.     

Dupuytren's contracture; increased cellularity--proliferation, is there equality?

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease is a chronic inflammatory process which causes contractures of the fingers by shortening and thickening the palmar fascia. During the proliferative phase, fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts apparently under the influence of several different factors. The disease usually develops slowly, but in some patients it tends to develop aggressively. The pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease remains unsolved. In this study, we analyzed some histological characteristics that seem to predict rapid recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 21 patients were divided into two groups. In 11 patients the disease was classified as aggressive because it had recurred within two years after an operation. In 10 cases it was non-aggressive, as no recurrence had been seen. Five control samples were taken from healthy palmar aponeurosis. The differences in cellularity, collagen, Ki-67, MSA, alpha-SMA and tenascin between the specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Alpha-SMA and Ki-67 were present more often in the aggressive specimens. Immunohistochemical stainings for macrophages and lymphocytes were negative. CONCLUSION: There may be differences in the histology and/or immunohistochemical appearance of pathological palmar connective tissue cords in aggressive and normal Dupuytren's disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease.     

Diagnosis and indications for surgical treatment.

Dupuytren's disease is a common problem in most hand surgery practices. It is usually easily diagnosed by the presence of its primary palmar manifestations: the nodule, the cord, and the digital flexion contracture. The isolated nodule may occasionally require biopsy to rule out the possibility of malignancy, but this is unusual. The nodule is typically the first lesion to appear and is the site of active biologic activity. The cord is the pathologically thickened and shortened normal longitudinal fascial structure of the palm and digit. Its insertion distal to the MPJ or PIP accounts for the progressive flexion contracture of these joints. Secondary findings include knuckle pads, plantar fascial nodules, and penile fascial contracture, which may signal the presence of Dupuytren's diathesis, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. The need and advisability of surgical intervention should be determined in close consultation with the patient after becoming thoroughly familiar with functional deficits and specific functional goals. A flexion contracture of more than 30 degrees at the MPJ or any contracture at the PIP is generally thought to be an indication for palmar fasciectomy. Patients should be aware of potential complications, those in higher risk categories should be identified preoperatively. Details of the operative procedure and variations in technique are discussed in subsequent articles in this issue.     

Management of Dupuytren's disease--clear advice for an elusive condition

Dupuytren's disease is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder of an unknown origin affecting the hands causing permanent flexion contracture of the digits. Significant risk factors for development of Dupuytren's disease include old age, male sex, white northern European extraction, presence of positive family history of Dupuytren's disease, and diabetes mellitus. The disease also seems to deteriorate rapidly in those cases showing young age of onset and additional fibromatosis affecting the back of the hands, soles of the feet and the penis. Although there is no cure, patients with Dupuytren's disease of the hand may gain a significant functional benefit following surgical improvement or correction of the deformity. With realistic expectations, timely and appropriate surgical technique in a specialist centre, and attention to postoperative recovery and rehabilitation (occupational therapy and physiotherapy support), a beneficial outcome can be achieved in most cases.     

Dupuytren's contracture: an update of biomolecular aspects and therapeutic perspectives

The so-called fibrogenic cytokines, able to induce the growth of fibroblasts and their differentiation into myofibroblasts and to stimulate their production of extracellular matrix, are involved in the genesis of Dupuytren's contracture. Although many studies have been made of biomolecular aspects of palmar fibromatosis, practical applications from them are still far from imminent because of the real difficulty of blocking their action in vivo, even in a chronic, progressive lesion such as Dupuytren's disease. Consequently, surgical excision of the palmar fascia still remains the treatment of choice.     

掌腱膜部分切除术治疗掌腱膜挛缩症

目的 探讨掌腹腱膜挛缩症治疗的临床经验。方法 1980年以来，我院共治疗掌腱膜挛缩症22例，全部采用掌腱膜部分切除术。结果 19例病人获得满意的治疗效果，应用Tubiana’s法评价，手术后优良率为86．4％，效果良好。结论 本手术成功的关键在于：仔细分离皮瓣，避免皮肤坏死；避免血管神经束损伤；彻底切除挛缩腹膜，避免术后复发；彻底止血，防止血肿形成和感染；术后早期进行功能锻炼。     

The proximal interphalangeal joint in Dupuytren''s disease

In one hundred patients with Dupuytren's disease, one hundred and fifty-four operations were performed. The average pre-operative proximal interphalangeal joint contracture was 42 degrees and the average percentage improvement in proximal interphalangeal joint extension at post-operative review was 41%. Fourteen amputations were performed (9.1%). The primary deformity is caused by disease involvement of the palmar fascial structures. Secondary changes may prevent correction of the deformity despite excision of the contracted fascia. The anatomy of the joint is reviewed together with the primary and secondary mechanisms of joint contracture in Dupuytren's disease. Arthrodesis, osteotomy of the proximal phalanx and joint replacement are considered as alternatives to amputation when a systematic surgical approach fails to correct the flexion contracture.     

The effect of steroids on Dupuytren's disease: role of programmed cell death

This study compared the rates of proliferation and apoptosis of cells within nodules of Dupuytren's disease and nodules from patients that had been injected preoperatively with steroid (Depo-Medrone). It also compared the effects of steroids in apoptosis in cultured Dupuytren's cells and control fibroblasts from palmar fascia and fascia lata. Steroids reduced the rate of fibroblast proliferation and increased the rate of apoptosis of both fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in Dupuytren's tissue. Steroids also produced apoptosis of cultured Dupuytren's cells but not of palmar fascia and fascia lata cells.     

The role of the fibroblast in Dupuytren's contracture.

Ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies to date show that the fibroblast in Dupuytren's contracture is identical to palmar fascia fibroblasts in patients unaffected by Dupuytren's contracture, and to all other fibroblasts. The major difference relating to fibroblasts is that in Dupuytren's contracture there are more of them, and they are clustered around narrowed microvessels. It is probable that these two phenomena are linked because recent studies indicate a greater potential for ischemia-induced oxygen free radical generation in Dupuytren's contracture, and because oxygen free radicals in these concentrations can stimulate fibroblast proliferation. The major source of oxygen free radicals is likely to be from microvascular endothelial xanthine oxidase-catalyzed reactions. These observations also account for many of the epidemiologic associations of Dupuytren's contracture, because (1) age, race, and diabetes are associated with microvessel narrowing and (2) age, diabetes, alcohol consumption, HIV infection, cigarette smoking, and trauma are associated with increased free radical generation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and allopurinol are two agents that decrease oxygen free radical release and may inhibit or prevent Dupuytren's contracture.