ABSTRACT
Pathophysiology A number of different theories exist addressing the pathophysiology of Dupuytrens
disease: 1. Murrell’s theory is that Dupuytren s contracture is initiated by multifactorial
vascular compromise of the palmar vessels. The ischemia causes liberation of endothelial xanthine oxidase-derived free radicals. The ensuing cycle of cell dam age, fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition ultimately leads to a further narrowing o f the vessels with more ischemia (and therefore explains the chronic and progressive nature of the disease).
