Coachman’s fingers (as if holding horse reins), also called Dupuytren’s contracture, is a condition in the hand where the fingers cannot be straightened. The condition is caused by the formation of hard and knotted cords in the connective tissue of the hand.

The condition is chronic and worsens over time and will eventually make quite ordinary everyday tasks difficult. In approximately 50% of cases, both hands are affected by the disease.

Why Dupuytren’s contracture occurs is unknown, but the condition is hereditary in many cases.

Symptoms of coachman’s fingers

If you have Dupuytren’s contracture, you will experience

• Tenderness in the hand
• Small nodules in the palm
• You will have difficulty extending the little finger and ring finger
• Difficulty shaking hands
• In severe cases, the fingers cannot be extended at all

Examination

You will be examined by one of our orthopaedic surgeons, who will ask thoroughly about your problem. The diagnosis is made based on the medical history and the findings from the clinical examination.

Treatment of coachman’s fingers

One can try injection with corticosteroid, but surgery will often be necessary.

At CPH Privathospital, we can operate on you so that you have the opportunity to be able to extend your fingers again. The surgeon removes the scar tissue that the nodules have formed.

The disease can return even after an operation, and it may therefore in some cases be necessary to repeat the operation.