Dupuytren’s contracture (also known as Dupuytren’s disease or Vikings disease) is a benign condition that affects the connective tissue in the palm of your hand and your fingers. It’s traditionally thought the condition originated with the Vikings. However, it was named in the 19th century after a famous French surgeon, Baron Guillaume Dupuytren.
Dupuytren’s contracture typically starts as a small nodule (lump) in your hand, but, as the disease progresses, the nodules grow and cords develop along the tendons of your fingers. These cords thicken and contract your fingers, bending them towards your palm until they’re no longer able to straighten – this is called a ‘contracture’.
Dupuytren’s contracture often affects your ring or little finger, but it may appear anywhere on your palm and fingers.