Which hand condition is characterized by thickened palmar fascia causing flexion contractures of the digits?

Which hand condition is characterized by thickened palmar fascia causing flexion contractures of the digits?

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

Answer: (D)

Dupuytren contracture is a fibromatosis of the palmar fascia in which nodules and thick cords form in the palm, gradually pulling the fingers into fixed flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints and often the proximal interphalangeal joints. This directly aligns with the description of a thickened palmar fascia causing flexion contractures of the digits. It’s not a nerve compression issue like carpal tunnel, not a stenosing tenosynovitis like trigger finger, and not a cyst such as a ganglion. Understanding that thickened fascia progresses to cords that mechanically bend the fingers explains both the presentation and the typical involvement of the ring and little fingers, along with possible treatment options ranging from observation to enzymatic or surgical release.

Dupuytren contracture is a fibromatosis of the palmar fascia in which nodules and thick cords form in the palm, gradually pulling the fingers into fixed flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints and often the proximal interphalangeal joints. This directly aligns with the description of a thickened palmar fascia causing flexion contractures of the digits. It’s not a nerve compression issue like carpal tunnel, not a stenosing tenosynovitis like trigger finger, and not a cyst such as a ganglion. Understanding that thickened fascia progresses to cords that mechanically bend the fingers explains both the presentation and the typical involvement of the ring and little fingers, along with possible treatment options ranging from observation to enzymatic or surgical release.