Which condition presents with thickened palmar fascia and progressive flexion contractures of the digits?

Which condition presents with thickened palmar fascia and progressive flexion contractures of the digits?

• A. Dupuytren contracture
• B. Trigger finger
• C. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• D. Ganglion

Answer: (A)

Dupuytren contracture is a fibrous thickening of the palmar fascia that forms nodules and cords in the palm, pulling the digits into flexion progressively. This results in a fixed flexion of the fingers, most commonly the ring and pinky, as the cords shorten and contract the joints, typically at the metacarpophalangeal joints. It often develops slowly and may be painless, with risk factors including male sex, Northern European ancestry, and associated conditions like diabetes or heavy alcohol use. This differs from other hand conditions you might see. Trigger finger involves thickening of the flexor tendon sheath (A1 pulley) leading to locking or catching of the finger, not a thickened palmar fascia forming cords. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and weakness from median nerve compression rather than a structural cord pulling the finger into a contracture. A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that presents as a lump, not a progressive fixed finger flexion deformity.

Dupuytren contracture is a fibrous thickening of the palmar fascia that forms nodules and cords in the palm, pulling the digits into flexion progressively. This results in a fixed flexion of the fingers, most commonly the ring and pinky, as the cords shorten and contract the joints, typically at the metacarpophalangeal joints. It often develops slowly and may be painless, with risk factors including male sex, Northern European ancestry, and associated conditions like diabetes or heavy alcohol use.

This differs from other hand conditions you might see. Trigger finger involves thickening of the flexor tendon sheath (A1 pulley) leading to locking or catching of the finger, not a thickened palmar fascia forming cords. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and weakness from median nerve compression rather than a structural cord pulling the finger into a contracture. A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that presents as a lump, not a progressive fixed finger flexion deformity.