Involvement of the disease in both hands is common. Flexion contractures usually occur at either of the first two finger joints. Flexor tendons are never involved in this process. Skin may be involved by the infiltration of dermal layers with the disease. This condition is not painful - except for tenderness in the area of infiltration or during an inflammatory phase.
Recurrence is frequent, particularly at the proximal interphalangeal joints.
The aim of surgery in Dupuytren's contracture is to regain maximum hand function, rather than totally cure the disease. If there is no present deformity and no loss of hand function, surgery may be delayed until significant deformity has developed. Therefore, the small palmar nodule rarely requires surgery unless it is sufficiently tender as to interfere with activities. A progressive contracture is regarded as an indicator for surgery and is best demonstrated when the hand can no longer be placed flat on a table top. At this stage, there is sufficient deformity to demonstrate that hand function will eventually be threatened.