I think there is an association between various forms of fibrosis and adverse healing that leads to keloids. Keloids result from an aggressive form of healing beyond the impacted site. Many posts on FB of people having surgery for DD are asking for help with severe scarring or keloids.

Not scientific of course but if you ask your favourite AI something like "is there a link between fibrosis and the possibility of scarring leading to keloids, and also a susceptibility to dupuytren's?" you will get an answer with lots of links for further reading that agrees with your premise.

I myself also believe that Dupuytren's might be related to a somehow disturbed healing process. Nodules and cords develop in areas which are frequently compressed and stretched. When affected fingers are stiffened for other reasons, the cord typically vanishes. To me that is an indication that Dupuytren's is strongly related to forces to which the tissue is frequently subjected. I have no idea what the initial damage might be. It seems nearly impossible to oberve the onset of Dupuytren's and find out what the trigger is. We only recognize Dupuytren's in an already developed nodular stage.

I don't believe that Dupuytren's is related to excessive collagen production, like in keloids. I myself have excellent would healing with very little scarring but have Dupuytren's. About 20 years ago there was speculation that Dupuytren's might have similar root causes as keloids but since then, that theory received not much attention anymore.

Wolfgang

A long time ago, I read that Dupuytren’s/ledderhose was theorized to result from overactive healing following injury to the fascia, but more recently—and I think this is what you’re referring to—some researchers have proposed that it’s sort of an immune system overreaction to friction or vibration or repetitive stress to the fascia. My radiologist has even advised me to wear gloves when doing anything that involves friction or vibration, like gardening or working with power tools or typing. It’s not clear what would cause this—a genetic mutation of some sort? An immune disorder?

I have my own theories about my situation. I think I have some sort of genetic collagen disorder because I have (or had prior to a hysterectomy) other conditions associated with abnormal fibrosis, namely endometriosis and adenomyosis. I haven’t yet found any investigation in the research literature into an association between these gynecological conditions and Dupuytren’s/plantar fibromatosis.

I’ve also had frozen shoulders and I have Garrod’s pads, which are associated with Dupuytren’s. I am also hypermobile, have ropey feeling muscles under my skin, have fibrocystic breasts (even after hysterectomy), have very youthful skin for my age, and have invertebral disc issues (possibly degenerative disc disease, which is associated with fibrotic alterations, and hidradenitis suppurativa (another skin condition that involves nodules and fibrosis) . I’d be curious how many people here have other conditions that involve fibrosis.

“Fibrosis occurs when the synthesis of new collagen by myofibroblasts exceeds the rate at which it is degraded, such that the total amount of collagen increases over time.”

Edited 08/12/2025 20:05

If you have new nodules in the growth stage, you should see if you can find a radiologist who treats Dupuytren’s. It probably won’t help with your pinky, but it could help with newer lesions and contractures. It is a low dose of radiation and should not interfere with your ability to use your hands. I’ve only had half a course so far. I had a small amount of pain on day 2 in one finger but nothing after that. Obviously, I can’t tell you if it is doing anything yet, but others on here have reported good long-term results. My insurance covers it (with a 20% coinsurance), and my radiologist said Medicare has covered it (with coinsurance) for some of her patients.

Maybe Xiaflex would be an option for your pinky (I don’t know much about that because I wasn’t a candidate).

Your situation seems very difficult. I hope you find relief somehow.