This is named after Baron Guillaime Dupuytren, 1831 - is the name given to a condition where there is in-curving of the fingers towards the palm, so that they cannot be straightened. It is caused by the thickening and shortening of the tissue - called the palmar aponeurosis. - under the skin of the palm. It is commoner in males, in the right hand, effecting firstly the ring and little fingers, and usually increases in severity over time. It may, however, affect females, and it may affect both hands. The skin over the tendons leading to the affected fingers feels thickened and nodular. It has been thought to be associated with hard manual labour, alcohol excess and diabetes mellitus, but most cases have no association. In males it may be associated with Peyronie's disease - where similar fibrous thickening causes curvature of the penis. There is no effective medication at the present time and surgery may be required to release tendons.

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