Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's contracture (also called Dupuytren's disease, Morbus Dupuytren, Viking disease, palmar fibromatosis and Celtic hand) is a condition in which one or more fingers become progressively bent in a flexed position.

It is named after Guillaume Dupuytren, who first described the underlying mechanism of action, followed by the first successful operation in 1831 and the publication of the results in The Lancet in 1834.

It usually begins as small, hard nodules just under the skin of the palm,and then worsens over time until the fingers can no longer be fully straightened. While typically not painful, some aching or itching may be present.

The ring finger followed by the little and middle fingers is most commonly affected.

It can affect one or both hands.

The condition can interfere with activities such as preparing food, writing, putting your hand in a tight pocket, putting on gloves, or shaking hands.