Prevalence of palmar fibromatosis with and without contracture in asymptomatic patients

Abstract

Background: This retrospective study documents the proportion of hand clinic patients presenting with palmar fibromatosis with and without contracture. Methods: All “new” patients >18 years presenting to a single surgeon’s hand clinic over a 16-month period were included, and information was abstracted from chart review regarding patient demographics, reason for presentation, presence or absence of palmar fibromatosis, contracture, and prior known diagnosis of Dupuytren’s disease. The percentage of asymptomatic patients with palmar fibromatosis was calculated. Results: Of 827 patients, 306 had palmar fibromatosis. Among all patients, 33% of male and 40% of female patients had palmar fibromatosis. Only 8% had contractures, while 92% had palmar fibromatosis without contracture. Among those who had contractures, 81% presented with a primary complaint of Dupuytren’s disease (symptomatic contracture). Prevalence of palmar fibromatosis increased with increasing age. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Dupuytren’s palmar fibromatosis is common and often present without overt contractures.

Key Words:

• Flexion contracture
• Dupuytren’s disease
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• morbus Dupuytren
• palmar fibromatosis

Acknowledgements

The authors of this manuscript did not receive any funding, grants, or in-kind support for this research or the preparation of this manuscript. The protocol for this research was reviewed and approved by the authors’ Institutional Review Board.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.