Dupuytren's contracture

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will likely conduct the following tests:

  • Physical exam. Your doctor will both look at and feel your hands to identify the characteristic nodules or cords in your palms or fingers. You'll also be asked questions about your signs and symptoms. Your doctor will want to know whether you're having difficulty using your hands; for instance, are you able to extend your fingers to put on gloves or to shake someone's hand.
  • Tabletop test. In this simple test, you place your hand palm-side down on a table. If you can get your hand flat, you don't have a contracture. If you can't get your hand flat against the table, then you do have a contracture.

Your doctor usually doesn't need further tests to make a diagnosis. However, he or she may order other tests to rule out associated conditions, such as diabetes.

DS00732

May 17, 2008

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