Description: Contracture of the palmar fascia due to fibrous proliferation resulting in flexion deformities and loss of function. Similar change may rarely occur in plantar fascia. It usually appears simultaneously.

Geneties: * Autosomal doiminant with verable penetrance
* 10 % of patients have a positive family history

Incidence/Prevalence in USA:

* Unknown
* Norway - 9 % males and 3 % females

Predominant age: 50 for males; 60 for females

Predominant sex: Male > Female (ranges from 2:1 to 10:1

Causes: * Unknown
* Ischemia to the facia with oxygen
free radical formation
* Possibly related to release of angiogneic
basic fibroblast growth factor
* Related to microhemorrhage and release growth
factor