Dupuytren’s disease (pronounced DUPE-uh-trins) of the hand is also known as Viking’s disease because it is common in northern Europeans. “Myofiberblast cells lay down thick collagen below the skin that starts as nodules but eventually develop into cords that pull the fingers down into a flexed position. Unlike trigger finger, where you can pull the finger straight, the cords prevent the hand from returning to a neutral position,” explains Cleveland Clinic orthopedic surgeon Steve Maschke, MD. Although there is no cure, the disease can be managed with treatment, including collagenase clostridium histolyticum (XIAFLEX) injections.
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