[Anatomic relations between skin and pathologically changed aponeurosis in Dupuytren disease]

Wedge-like preparations from the palm in Dupuytren's disease in many stages are investigated histologically and with scanning electron microscopy. The preparations comprise the entire soft tissue covering (skin, fat and aponeurosis). The scanning electron microscope enables a three dimensional examination of the surface of the collagen fibers. The following results were obtained: In the region of the skin contraction or the node: There is a displacement and atrophy of the fat layers by the proliferated and thickened connective tissue. The transitions between the various layers are obliterated. The collagen fibers perpendicular to the skin show massive cross-linking and thickening. The pathologically altered aponeurosis shows a variable morphology: the collagen bundles display major variations in diameter and structure. Typing of the disease stage and the morphological alterations is not possible.