How common is Dupuytren's disease?

Dupuytren's disease most commonly affects people of northern European heritage. It is rare in people of African or Asian descent. Heredity is thought to be a factor, since Dupuytren's disease tends to occur most often among close family members.

The risk of Dupuytren's disease increases with age: it occurs most often in people age 50 and older.¹ Men are 7 to 15 times more likely than are women to have severe Dupuytren's disease that requires surgical treatment. Older women often develop a milder form of the disease.² Dupuytren's disease is very rare in children.

Up to 30% of men older than 65 with a Northern European genetic background will have Dupuytren's disease.³

Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 3, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
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