While at first, there may be some pain associated with the condition; this pain will gradually go away. It has been found to be more common in men then in women but only affect those of Scandinavian descent, especially those who are of Viking descent. Furthermore, it only makes a presence after the age of forty and 70% of those who have Dupuytren's contracture have been found to be genetically predisposed. There has also been trace amounts of links between this condition and smoking, diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism as well as pulmonary tuberculosis.



When one contracts Dupuytren's contracture, at first it may be painful, but this is not always the case. What is happening is that the tendons which run from the joints in the fingers to the wrist are getting entangled with scar tissue. Almost like a callous which is forming on the underside of the skin, this scar tissue expands under the palm of the hand and entangles its fibrous tissues in between the tendons which are responsible for finger extension and contraction. As a result, eventually the patient will loose the ability to fully extend the middle, ring and pinky finger but usually the index and pointer fingers are not affected.

It is important to have this condition properly diagnosed as there is a very similar condition which is caused by a completely different form of trauma. Volkmann's contracture which appears to be similar to that of Dupuytren's contracture is actually caused by trauma to the forearm. The ending results is shortened tendons from the forearm to the finger tips. Persons who have Volkmann's contracture can extend their fingers, but only when the writ is bent inwards, where as those with Dupuytren's contracture cannot.

The chances of this occurring increase drastically on persons over the age of 40 and who are of Scandinavian descent. This condition can often be remedied through a particular surgical procedure which loosens up and removes some of the scar tissue surrounding the tendons in the palm of the hand.

The other arm related contracture is Volkmann's contracture which closely resembles that of Dupuytren's contracture but it is important to note that the causes are very different. Volkmann's contracture results in a claw-like deformity which is visible in the hands and their fingers. This condition is an affliction of the forearm, not the hand and is caused by excessive pressures on the forearm's muscles. This condition too can be remedied by a surgical procedure of the forearm.