[Micromorphological studies in Dupuytren's disease]

Based on histological and scan electron microscopic investigations the morphology of Dupuytren's disease was studied. For comparison normal samples from the palm of the hand were used. Because scan electron microscopy permits a three dimensional observation of surfaces, cut as well as break preparations of cases in stages II, III and IV as well as from relapse cases were furnished and examined. The findings were as follows: 1) The border between cutis and underlying tissue was not distinct any more. 2) The subcutaneous fat tissue has been thrust aside and replaced by newly formed collagen. 3) Starting from the aponeurosis thickened net-like collagen fibers stretch across into the cutis causing skin retractions 4) Within the aponeurosis palmaris collagen bundles exhibit considerable deviation in diameter and structure. 5) A classification of different stages of the disease according to morphological findings proves to be impossible.