Description:
Dupuytren disease is the most common crippling hand condition that people have never heard of. This condition can cause fingers to be permanently bent, causing pain, functioning issues, and a myriad of other health problems.
Why It’s Important
Many key aspects of risk factors, physical findings, and the personal impact of Dupuytren disease are not routinely documented in office records or hospital charts. The Dupuytren databank is a unique resource for this and other data relevant to developing preventive therapy for this common disabling condition.
Who Should Join?
People with and without Dupuytren are encouraged to join. Volunteering in this research means answering detailed biannual surveys. This study is important because the main way to treat Dupuytren is with surgery, but it is possible that treatments could be created if the condition is diagnosed early enough. Our hope is that, the more we learn about your experiences, the sooner such treatments can be created.
Putting Data to Work
The Dupuytren Research Group is conducting a pilot study to discover blood biomarkers of Dupuytren disease to better identify if people with certain characteristics are at higher risk. Recruitment is only possible through the Dupuytren Databank. This study will be submitted for publication in 2024 with the aim of being available in 2025.
Get Started
If you would like to add your story to those we have already collected, click the button below to get started:
Meet the Study Director
Dr. Charles Eaton is a triple board-certified hand surgeon with extensive Dupuytren experience. He established the Dupuytren Foundation in 2008 and is their Executive Director.