In Dupuytren disease, which finger is most commonly affected, and which normal palmar structure is transformed into the pathological cord that causes metacarpophalangeal joint flexion contracture?

• A Little finger, transverse metacarpal ligament
• B Ring finger, pretendinous band ✓
• C Middle finger, natatory ligament
• D Index finger, spiral band of the digital sheath

Explanation

The ring finger is most frequently involved in Dupuytren disease, followed by the little and middle fingers. The pretendinous band of the palmar fascia hypertrophies into the pretendinous cord, producing the earliest and most common contracture at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The transverse metacarpal ligament is not part of the palmar fascia and does not form cords. Natatory and spiral bands cause web space and digital contractures respectively, and are less commonly involved.

Reference: Green's Operative Hand Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.