Why do I have Dupuytren’s disease?
Dupuytren’s disease is genetic: you were born with a chance of developing it. Some things can make it more likely or make it worse, such as drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking, some epilepsy medicines and hand injuries. People with diabetes are also at higher risk, though it tends to be milder.
How does it progress?
The first thing you may notice is a lump in the palm, which can occasionally be tender when pressed. Over time the lump may become a cord that runs into the finger and pulls it down towards the palm. This can take many years.
Is it dangerous?
No. Dupuytren’s disease isn’t a serious condition. Treatment is offered when your fingers start getting in the way when you use your hand, or if they’re bending quickly.
Treatment options
| Needle fasciotomy | Fasciectomy (surgery) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it involves | A needle is used to divide the cord and release the finger | The diseased tissue is removed in an operation |
| Recovery | Quick and easy to get over | At least 6 weeks |
| Anaesthetic | Local | Needed |
| Chance of coming back | Higher; may return sooner | Lowest: about 20% in the same place after 5 years |
| Suitable if | No previous open surgery in that area | Most people, including after previous treatment |
If you’ve had surgery before, it’s sometimes necessary to remove the skin over the disease as well as the disease itself. This is called a dermofasciectomy, and it’s a bigger operation.
Collagenase injection (Xiapex), which dissolves the cord, is no longer available in the UK.
Very rarely, after many treatments, it may not be possible to improve a finger, and fusing the joint or even removing the finger may be recommended. This is uncommon.
Which treatment is best for me?
Treatment is tailored to you, as everyone’s needs are different. As a rule, you’ll need treatment if your fingers are getting in the way when you do things, or if they’re bending quickly.
Risks and possible complications
We do everything we can to prevent complications, but all treatments carry risks. These include, but are not limited to:
- incomplete correction, leaving the finger less bent but not fully straight
- injury to nerves, leaving all or part of the finger permanently numb
- injury to the tendons that bend the finger, which may need surgery to repair
- complex regional pain syndrome, which makes the hand painful and stiff and needs intensive hand therapy. This is very rare, affecting about 1 in 3,000 people having any hand surgery or treatment
- recurrence: Dupuytren’s disease can’t be cured and is likely to return eventually, though this may take many years
Patient information sheet: Dupuytren's diseaseDownload PDF to read at homeI found the needle fasciotomy virtually painless and did not need to use painkillers or a frozen pack on my hand afterwards. Seventy-two hours in, I am using my hand normally, am pain-free and my fingers are straight!
Needle fasciotomy patient
Page last updated October 2026.