Dupuytren Disease

Dupuytren's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue. It is an autosomal dominantly transmitted disease with variable penetrance. The prevalence in the general population is 3% and the mean age of onset is 50 years and rarely occurs under 30 years of age. It has been associated with diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alcoholism, and smoking. Nevertheless, the etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. The volar aspect of the hand and fingers has a three-dimensional system of fine ligamentous structures, each with a precise origin and insertion, and all together constitute a functional unit of continuous fibrous tissue. It is very important to understand the normal anatomy to realize which structure could be affected and carry out the appropriate treatment in each case.