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What is Dupuytren's Contracture?
Dupuytren's Contracture is a chronic condition in which the palmar aponeurosis thickens and scars, forming dense cords that gradually pull the fingers into a flexed position. It most commonly affects the ring finger and little finger.
The condition occurs in 4-6% of the population, predominantly in men over 50 years of age of European descent.
Stages (Tubiana classification):
- N — nodules without contracture
- I — total contracture 0-45°
- II — contracture 45-90°
- III — contracture 90-135°
- IV — contracture more than 135°
Symptoms:
- Dense nodules and cords on the palm
- Gradual finger flexion
- Inability to fully extend the finger
- Difficulty with handshaking and grasping objects
- Inability to place the hand flat on the table (Hueston test)
Facts about Dupuytren
- ICD-10: M72.0
- Prevalence: 4-6% of population
- Gender: men 6-10 times more often
- Age: over 50 years
Dupuytren’s contracture: treatment options and what is known about them
The treatment plan is made by the clinic doctor after an examination and a review of your images. The table shows the options usually discussed for this diagnosis and how well they have been studied.
| Option | What to expect | How well studied |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid injection | Quickly reduces inflammation and pain, the effect is often temporary; frequent injections are undesirable | Limited or conflicting evidence |
| Exercise therapy and physiotherapy | Reduces pain, strengthens muscles, improves function; the basis of treatment | Little data |
| PRP / CGF | — | Not usually used for this diagnosis |
| Needle fasciotomy or fasciectomy | If conservative treatment does not help or there is an indication | When indicated — the doctor decides |
We send your request to several partner clinics. Some will suggest conservative treatment or injections, others surgery; each clinic quotes its own conditions and price. We help you compare the options.
Regenerative methods: realistic expectations
Neither exercise nor PRP injections stop Dupuytren’s contracture. A mild contracture is monitored. If a finger cannot straighten and the palm cannot lie flat on a table, needle fasciotomy or surgery is discussed.
When surgery is discussed. Needle fasciotomy or surgery (fasciectomy) is discussed when the contracture gets in the way and the palm cannot be placed flat on a table.
Good to know: diagnosis, self-help, outlook
How to tell Dupuytren’s contracture from similar conditions
In Dupuytren’s contracture firm nodules and cords appear in the palm, most often at the base of the ring and little fingers; over time the fingers can no longer straighten fully. There is usually no pain. A trigger finger causes clicking and pain on bending rather than cords, and arthritis causes joint swelling. A simple test: if the palm cannot be laid flat on a table, the contracture already limits function.
What you can do yourself
Stretching and splints do not stop the disease, but help preserve movement after treatment. Watch how well the fingers straighten and do not delay an examination once the palm no longer lies flat.
Outlook and timelines
The disease progresses slowly and unpredictably. Treatment is discussed with a contracture of 30° or more at the knuckle joint or any contracture of a finger joint: needle fasciotomy or surgery. Recurrence is possible after any method.
Who it is not suitable for and possible risks
Contraindications
- Active infection — at the injection site or systemic, with fever.
- Active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy.
- Blood clotting disorders or a low platelet count. Anticoagulants are discussed with the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — the procedure is usually postponed.
- A corticosteroid injection into the same area in recent weeks.
- A complete tendon or ligament rupture with loss of function — surgical repair is usually needed.
Possible risks
- Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days.
- Bruising where blood or fat tissue is taken.
- Rarely, infection. The procedure is therefore performed under sterile conditions with ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
- The effect may be absent or smaller than expected.
If any of these apply to you, mention it in your request. The coordinator will check with the clinic physician whether treatment is possible. Contact a coordinator.
Scientific evidence
Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:
- Catapano M et al. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Nonsurgical Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2020.
- Sheth U et al. Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma use for orthopaedic indications: a meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2012.
Next steps: Treatment methods · Treatment cost · How treatment in Germany is organised
Frequently Asked Questions About Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment
RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.
Your MRI (or CT, X-ray) report and the images if you have them, plus a short description of your symptoms and previous treatment. Send them via the form on the website — the assessment is free and without obligation: the coordinator replies within 24 hours, and the clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days.
The cost depends on the method, the diagnostics needed and the clinic itself: prices differ between clinics. We request offers from several clinics and send you their conditions and quotes so you can compare. Price guidance is on the treatment cost page. For an outpatient procedure, 2–3 days in Munich are usually enough: examination, procedure and follow-up visit.
Clinic and method matching — free of charge
Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within 24 hours.
Send a request