Eighteen years follow-up study of the clinical manifestations and progression of Dupuytren's disease

Objective: To evaluate the clinical manifestations and progression of Dupuy tren's disease. Methods: In 1981-82 a total of 1297 men were examined for Dupuytren's disea se, and of these 19.2% had the disease. In 1999 those with signs of the dis ease in 1981-82 were invited for a follow-up study. As controls symptom fre e individuals from the study in 1981-82 were invited. Results: A total of 53 individuals from the control group had developed Dup uytren's disease in 1999. Men with palmar nodules/fibrous cord in 1981-82 w ere more likely to develop contracted fingers than those without Dupuytren' s disease. Patients with young age at disease onset more often required ope rations than those with later onset. Of the men who had been operated 70% s till had finger contractures in 1999. Conclusion: The incidence of Dupuytren's disease is high in elderly men. Du puytren's disease is progressive in nature and most operated patients have recurrent finger contractures.