Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when the layer of fibrous tissue in the palm and fingers thickens. Even if it is painless, Dupuytren's contracture can cause changes in the fingers, more precisely in their contracture and bending.

The hand is complex and its integrity is absolutely essential for daily activities.

The palmar fascia consists of a fibrous tissue, arranged in longitudinal, transverse, oblique and vertical fibers. The longitudinal fibers have their origin at the level of the fist joint and extend to the base of each finger, where smaller fibers extend distally and attach to the tissues.

This fiber arrangement forms the fibrous flexor and the flexion system of each finger. Transverse fibers are concentrated in the middle of the palm. They are associated with longitudinal fibers and help flex the fingers. The vertical fibers of the palmar fascia attach to the dermis of the palmar skin. Deeply, at the level of longitudinal and transverse fibers, the vertical fibers join into a septum and attach to the metacarpals, forming 8 different compartments for the flexor tendons and the neurovascular bundle of each finger.

Dupuytren's contracture evolves slowly, begins at the level of the little finger and evolves towards the index finger and then towards the palm. It is not considered a serious condition but certain functions of the hand can be lost and also the aesthetics of the hand is affected.

One of the causes that determine this contracture is hereditary but there are other factors favoring the disease such as, alcohol consumption or excessive smoking, diabetes, a history of hand fracture.

1. Local injections of corticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatories) help reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Wearing a splint or orthosis
It is indicated in the early stages of the condition helping the fingers to keep straight.

3. Surgery
It consists in removing and splitting the thickened band to restore movement in the fingers.

4. Physical therapy
It is important for recovery after surgery
A program of specific exercises, performed daily, helps:
➢ increasing the articular amplitude at the level of the hand and fingers
➢ increasing the flexibility of the finger joints
➢ maintaining the movement of the fingers at normal amplitude
➢ the integral functionality of the hand.