Scanning Electron Microscopy of Palmar Fascia in Dupuytren’s Disease of Advanced Stage

Abstract

Relevance. Dupuytren’s disease (palmar fascial fibromatosis) affects primarily palmar and digital fascia and results in progressive wrist deformity in many patients and often with bilateral involvement. Absence of corresponding data on the patients with severe wrist deformities along with their treatment issues is the ground for targeted research of pathomorphology of advanced disease stages.Purpose of the study — to identify features of ultrastructure of fibromatosis nodules and bands in palmar aponeurosis of patients with Dupuytren’s disease of grade III-IV.Materials and Methods. The authors analyzed medical histories and surgical material of 20 patients aging 42–77 years. Segments from medial portion of pretendinous cord of IV digit were cut for examination under scanning electron microscope (JSM-840, Jeol, Japan).Results. Irrespective of disease history (from 1 to 20 years) fibrbous-fibrillar network and fine cylindrical collagen fibers prevailed in nodules of pretendinous cord which formed semicircular and circular end coils. Empty lacunae, functionally active fibroblasts and close cellular pairs were observed in nodules. Bands differed from nodules by lesser cellularity and less content of fine fibers, orientation of thick fibers mainly along one axis, straightening segments of undulated twisting and separate twisted and tightly interwoven fiber fragments.Conclusion. In Dupuytren’s disease of grade III-IV nodules maintain the role of active contractile centers. Despite relatively small cellularity of pathologically altered tissues there is a potential for progressing, propagation and recurrence of fibromatosis.