Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm gradually thickens and tightens, pulling one or more fingers (often the ring and little finger) in towards the palm. Read more about Dupuytren's contracture →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About Dupuytren's contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm gradually thickens and tightens, pulling one or more fingers (often the ring and little finger) in towards the palm. It is usually painless and develops slowly over years. It tends to run in families and is more common with age.
How it is treated
When it is mild and not affecting use of the hand, it is often just monitored. If a finger bends enough to get in the way of everyday tasks, treatment can straighten it, for example a needle technique or an injection to break up the cord, or surgery to remove or divide the thickened tissue. The right choice depends on how severe it is and which finger is affected.
After treatment
Treatment usually improves how straight the finger is and how well the hand works, and hand exercises or a splint may be advised afterwards. Dupuytren's can slowly return or affect other fingers over time, so it is worth keeping an eye on and getting it checked if it progresses.
Sources: NHS: Dupuytren's contracture. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.