Dupuytren's contracture results from an abnormality of fascia, or tissue under the skin, of the palm of the hand.  This abnormality results in the fingers' contracting down toward the palm and losing the ability to straighten out, such that the hand itself therefore cannot open fully or flatten out.  The disease is progressive and usually advances at a constant rate.
A contracture of approximately 30 degrees at the MP joint (the metacarpophalangeal joint—where the knuckles form the ridge at the base of the fingers) or at the proximal interphalangeal joint (at the knuckle next closer to the fingertip) should be corrected.  If the condition is not treated in time, it may be difficult to correct the deformity entirely and to bring the hand back to normal function.  In most cases, however, full function can be restored.
Until recently, surgery was the only known solution for relieving this problem.  Recently, however, an alternative procedure has been found to be quite successful.  Treatment involves injecting a cortisone product into the region of the Dupuytren's diseased fascia, beneath the skin in the palm, to dissolve the abnormality, and may require a series of injections.  If surgery is to be avoided, this method must be initiated before the disease has become too severe.
Dupuytren's contracture occurs mostly in men who are 50 to 60 years of age or older, and in individuals of European or Scandinavian origin.  Interestingly, certain individuals who are afflicted with this condition have a somewhat worse prognosis than others—particularly younger patients, women, people with auburn or reddish hair, and individuals who have diabetes or liver disease.