Abstract
Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar
and digital fasciae. It is characterized by formation of nodules and fibrous cords
that may eventually lead to contractures with permanent flexion of the finger joints.
Correction of the flexion contractures in advanced disease is still performed by open
limited fasciectomy; ultrasonography (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment is preferred
for early disease.
We provide an overview of the detailed anatomy of the palmar aponeurosis and the structures
that may be involved in DD. Although magnetic resonance imaging is used as the gold
standard, these small anatomical structures are often better visible on US. We describe
two new morphological signs due to thickening of these small structures in patients
with DD: the tardigrade
sign and the manifold
sign.
Familiarity with detailed imaging anatomy and these new imaging signs of DD will help
confirm a correct and early diagnosis and distinguish this disease from various other
entities.
Keywords
Dupuytren's disease - imaging anatomy - palmar fascia - tardigrade sign - manifold
sign
