Prevalence of palmar fibromatosis with and without contracture in asymptomatic patients.

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.