Dupuytren's typically presents with some of the following:

• skin thickening or pitting in the palm
• firm nodules that can be tender and inflamed in the early stages
• fibrous, tendon-like cords
• contractures of the cords:
  • flexion deformity at the metacarpophalangeal / interphalangeal joints
  • confirmed if the person is unable to lay their hand flat on a table top
• one or both hands may be affected
• the ring finger is most commonly affected, followed by little and middle fingers
• the thumb and index fingers are usually spared
• family history often positive

Clinical diagnosis

Treatment is not commissioned in cases where there is no contracture, and in patients with mild (less than 20°) contractures, or one which is not progressing and does not impair function

For these patients::

• provide explanation of the condition and advice; this can be a progressive, but benign disease, with finger contractures developing later
• no treatment is necessary whilst there are no contractures
• reassure that tender nodules will become less tender over time
• advise the person to return when they cannot flatten their outstretched hand

Splinting and corticosteroid injections are not of benefit

Referral criteria

Treatment is not commissioned in cases where there is no contracture, and in patients with mild (less than 20°) contractures, or one which is not progressing and does not impair function.

Refer to Hand Clinic

Surgical intervention (needle fasciotomy, fasciectomy and dermofasciectomy) is commissioned for:

• a) Finger contractures causing loss of finger extension of 30° or more at the metacarpophalangeal joint or 20° at the proximal interphalangeal joint

or

• b) Severe thumb contractures which interfere with function

(For further information see link to the NHS Devon Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment commissioning policy)

Referral Instructions

Refer to the Hand Clinic (Orthopaedics)

Please refer using the e-Referral Service

• Specialty: Orthopaedics
• Clinic Type: Hand and Wrist
• Service: DRSS-South Devon & Torbay-Orthopaedics-Hand & Wrist-Devon ICB - 15N

Referral Forms

DRSS Referral form

Torbay and South Devon seeking advice form

GP Information

NHS Devon Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment commissioning policy

Patient information

MyHealth patient information - Dupuytrens

Dupuytren's Contracture patient information

Pathway Group

This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.

Publication date: March 2017

Updated: March 2020