DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE.

Dupuytren's contracture is a disease of the middle volar aponeurosis causing fixed flexion deformities of one or several digits.

This autosomal dominant disease affects less than 5% of individuals in Northern European countries. Males are more often affected (80%) than females and the average age at onset is the fifth decade.

It is a real diathesis with possible similar fibrosis in finger (dorsal knuckle pads), feet (Ledderhose's disease) and penis (Peyronie's disease).

The prevalence is 30% higher in diabetics, 40% higher in epileptics. The incidence is increased by alcoholism, by phenobarbitone administration and possibly by regional injury.

Stages are defined using Tubiana's simplified criterias as follows :