Dupuytren disease is a proliferation of previously normal subcutaneous palmar and digital tissues that may manifest as nodules and cords that may compromise hand function by the resultant finger and thumb joint flexion contractures. Other secondary changes include thinning of the overlying subcutaneous fat and subsequent adhesion to and later pitting or dimpling of the skin. The lesion activity and the ensuing deformity rate vary considerably. Occasionally, a finger may become markedly flexed within a few weeks or months, but development of severe deformity usually requires several years.
