Fine structural alterations of the palmar aponeurosis in Dupuytren's contracture. A combined scanning and transmission electronmicroscopic examination.

The authors examined the fine structural alterations of palmar aponeurosis in Dupuytren's contracture. Two types of the fibroblasts can be identified: classic fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In the Dupuytren's tissue one fourth of all non-inflammatory cells were regarded as myofibroblasts. In the Dupuytren's aponeurosis the orientation of the thin and thick collagen fibers varied. The Paccini corpuscles were hypertrophised and around them compact collagen tissue was increased.