Ultrastructural relationship of skin to nodule and cord in Dupuytren's contracture. 1982

J S VandeBerg, and R Rudolph, and R Gelberman, and M R Woodward

The interface of skin and nodule or cord was studied in Dupuytren's contracture in 11 patients using light and electron microscopy. Four distinct anatomic zones were seen in he skin/nodule specimens, with three zones in skin/cord. Skin/nodule specimens had a striking horizontally layered dense band just underneath the dermis, a feature not found in skin/cord specimens. Electron microscopy showed active contractile fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) in the lower two zones in skin/nodule, with clusters of active and degenerating cells side by side. No myofibroblasts were seen in either the skin/cord or any skin specimen. These data suggest that the nodule is the active source of contraction in Dupuytren's contracture. Skin overlying both nodule and cord appears to be drawn passively by underlying contraction forces. A local defect in palmar skin may prevent normal inhibition of myofibroblast contraction. More aggressive resection of fascia and dermis may be indicated in skin/nodule areas.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D004387 Dupuytren Contracture A fibromatosis of the palmar fascia characterized by thickening and contracture of the fibrous bands on the palmar surfaces of the hand and fingers. It arises most commonly in men between the ages of 30 and 50. Dupuytren's Contracture,Dupuytren's Disease,Fibromatosis, Palmar,Contracture, Dupuytren,Contracture, Dupuytren's,Dupuytren Disease,Dupuytrens Contracture,Dupuytrens Disease,Palmar Fibromatosis
D005205 Fascia Layers of connective tissue of variable thickness. The superficial fascia is found immediately below the skin; the deep fascia invests MUSCLES, nerves, and other organs.
D005347 Fibroblasts Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules. Fibroblast
D006225 Hand The distal part of the arm beyond the wrist in humans and primates, that includes the palm, fingers, and thumb. Hands
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012867 Skin The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.

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