Check if you have Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. It's common to have it in both hands at the same time.
It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.
It's not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.
If you're not sure it's Dupuytren's contracture
Other conditions can have similar symptoms.
| Symptom | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Small, soft lump on the wrist or finger joints |
|
|
Hard, raised, rough skin on the palms |
|
|
Finger "catching" or getting stuck when you move it |
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
1 or more of your fingers are bent and:
- you cannot put your hand down flat
- you're having difficulty with daily activities
Treatments for Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture does not usually need any treatment in the early stages.
If it's severe and you cannot straighten your fingers or use your hand normally, a GP may refer you to a specialist for treatment.
The specialist will explain what the benefits and risks of each treatment option are. They'll tell you what to expect afterwards, including advice on exercises to do.
Your finger may not be completely straight after treatment, and might not be as strong and flexible as it used to be.
The contracture could also come back after a few years.
There are 3 main types of treatment:
- surgery to remove the affected tissue in the hand (fasciectomy)
- using a needle to make small cuts in the affected tissue (needle fasciotomy)
- surgery to remove the affected issue and skin (dermofasciectomy)
Surgery to straighten the fingers
Fasciectomy
A cut is made along your palm and finger so the surgeon can straighten it.
- general anaesthetic (you're asleep) or local anaesthetic (your hand is numbed)
- you can leave hospital the same day
- recovery time: 4 to 12 weeks
- lowest risk of contracture coming back
- risks include bleeding, numbness and infection
Using a needle to straighten the fingers
Needle fasciotomy
A needle is inserted into several places along your palm and finger to loosen and straighten it.
- local anaesthetic (your hand is numbed)
- you can leave hospital the same day
- recovery time: up to 2 weeks
- contracture more likely to come back than with surgery
- risks include a cut opening up in your skin, pain and numbness
Using surgery and a skin graft to straighten the fingers
Dermofasciectomy
Similar to a fasciectomy, except an additional area of skin is removed; a skin graft from elsewhere in the body is used to replace the removed skin.
- general anaesthetic (you're asleep) or local anaesthetic (your hand is numbed)
- 2 procedures are needed – 1 to straighten the fingers and then another procedure to add the skin graft
- contractures less likely to come back than with a standard fasciectomy but recovery times can be longer
- risks include bleeding, numbness and infection
Self-refer for treatment
If you have Dupuytren's contracture, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
- ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
- check your GP surgery's website
- contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
- search online for NHS treatment for Dupuytren's contracture near you
Causes of Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture happens when the tissue under the skin near your fingers becomes thicker and less flexible.
The exact cause is unknown, but it's been linked to:
- having a family history of the condition
- smoking
- drinking lots of alcohol
- having diabetes or epilepsy
It's not known if you can prevent it or stop it coming back.
Page last reviewed: 18 June 2024
Next review due: 18 June 2027