Dupuytren'S disease affecting the thumb and first web of the hand

The clinical distribution of the Dupuytren's disease cords in the thumb and first web was examined in 100 consecutive patients with Dupuytren's disease. The precise anatomical relations of the cords were then studied in 25 patients undergoing Dupuytren's surgery for thumb and first web space disease. Thumb and first web space involvement was found in 28% of hands affected by Dupuytren's disease, and was the third most common site after the ring and little fingers. Operative findings showed that two major cords could be distinguished. One lying in the first web space and passing towards the insertion of the first dorsal interosseous muscle on the radial side of the index finger and the other lying on the radial aspect of the thumb.