New facts about the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture.

A histotopographical study is presented of the innervation of the palmar aponeurosis in human embryos and foetuses of both sexes and in adults. Beginning with the 4.5 to 5th months of embryonic development and later on in adults, too, the ulnar margin of the distal part of palmar aponeurosis (i.e., tendons of digits 4 and 5 most likely to be affected by Dupuytren's contracture) is the most abundantly equipped with encapsulated receptors of the type of Vater-Pacini corpuscles. With reference to a study of the microcirculation of palmar aponeurosis proprioreceptors in the norm and to the histophysiology of Vater-Pacini corpuscles in the norm and in Dupuytren's contracture the author presents the view that primary impairment of microcirculation in the proprioreceptors of palmar aponeurosis due to a variety of causes is part of the basic pathogenesis of the condition.