Dupytren's disease is caused by the increased production of knotty and string-shaped connective tissue by the connective tissue cells. The benign increase of collagen is usually painless. However, the scleroses and the shortening caused by the uncontrolled growth of connective tissue can disturb the protective function of the layer of string-shaped structured tissue between skin, sinews and nerves.This causes a flexion contracture that inhibits the straightening of the fingers.
The cause of Dupytren's disease is probably a combination of genetic predisposition and outside influences, e.g. injuries.
Preservative therapies in the early stage and with lighter forms of the disease can achieve relief, however they cannot stop the course of the disease. In some cases it even stagnates over a certain period of time.
The surgical treatment is only advisable if the hand cannot be placed flat on a table or the complete straightening of one or more fingers is impossible. An operation is also advisable if the patient suffers from severe pain or extreme dimples that can cause infections.
As operations are never without risk the decision should be made carefully and the disease should be watched over a longer period of time.
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