Definitions

This page should give you a quick overview of what a word means.  If you find a word which is not here or a definition is not adequate let us know.

 

Contracture

Contracture means that the fingers are pulled in so that the hand can no longer be placed flat, palm down on a table

 
Fibrosis

Fibrosis is a condition where the tissues in the body become thickened with a material similar to scar tissue.  What started as a thin sheet of material will become thick, stiff and sometimes in the early stages tender.  The tenderness will often settle with time but the thickening causes an abnormality in the feel of the hand.  Fibrosis can affect many tissues, but in Dupuytrens affects the palm and is associated with the similar fibrosis in the sole of the foot and in the Penis, Peyronies disease.

 

Nodule

A nodule is the first sign of Dupuytrens for many people.  A firm pea sized lump appears in the palm, usually in line with the ring finger.  This is often tender and many people associate its appearance with extensive use of a screwdriver or hammer.  The tenderness will usually settle with time, and the nodule may progress to a band and a cord.

 

Band

A band occurs when a nodule starts to develop further and lengthen out into the palm and then into the finger.  At this stage there is no contracture and the finger will still straighten fully.

Cord

A Cord occurs when a band starts to contract and the finger can no longer straighten as fully as normal.  The progression from nodule to band to cord may take a few months to years or may never progress.  

Fasciectomy

The operation to remove the cords or bands from the palm and fingers.  This can be limited, full or involve removal of skin (dermofasciectomy).

Related resources

• Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
• Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
• Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
• Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.