Fibrosis diathesis as indication and possible mechanism of joint stiffness

Dupuytren's disease is a condition where cords and nodules are formed in the hand, causing contractures of the fingers. However, this condition can also occur in the feet and the penis and even in the hand there are big differences in the extent and severity of the disease. The general condition to form this kind of stiff tissue is named "fibrosis diathesis". We believe that this can be an explanation for certain problems of joint stiffness, which sometimes appear without a clear cause. We want to clarify this possible relation in different ways and make suggestions for new treatment options. We will study different joints in patients with and without signs of Dupuytren's disease and look for differences in joint stifness. We will also look at te results of different surgical and medical treatment options in Dupuytren's disease and the possibility to use these in joint stifness problems as well. In an experimental setting, we will try to develop an animal model for Dupuytren's disease by injecting rat paws with substances which may cause nodules and chords similar to Dupuytren's disease. This will allow us to gain more insight in the underlying disease and test more experimental treatment options.