Extract
The disorder called Dupuytren disease has been recognized for
approximately 400 years. Its presentation, although seemingly rather constant,
is actually extremely variable, depending on which structures are involved. A
thorough knowledge of palmar fascial anatomy is essential to the understanding
of Dupuytren disease. There have been recent advances in the pathophysiology
of Dupuytren disease, and these have added to our knowledge of this disorder
but have not yet changed its treatment. There are two distinct clinical
entities, classic Dupuytren disease and atypical, so-called non-Dupuytren
palmar fascial
disease1,2.
These two types differ in presentation, etiology, treatment, and prognosis.
Authors of future epidemio-logical and outcome studies should not confuse
these two clinical entities. Surgical treatment is the conventional and most
widely used method of managing Dupuytren disease.