College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

In Dupuytren's Contracture, which digits are most commonly affected?

1. Index and middle fingers

2. Thumb and index fingers

3. 4th and 5th digits

4. All five fingers equally

The correct answer is: 4th and 5th digits

Dupuytren's Contracture is a condition that leads to the thickening and shortening of the connective tissue in the palm, which can cause the fingers to bend towards the palm. The condition predominantly affects the fourth (ring) and fifth (little) digits. This is primarily due to the distribution of the palmar fascia and its tendency to develop nodules and cords in these areas, resulting in a gradual loss of extension in these fingers. While the index and middle fingers can also be involved in some cases, it is less common. The involvement of the thumb and index fingers is typically not characteristic of Dupuytren's Contracture. Furthermore, the notion that all five fingers are affected equally is inconsistent with the typical presentation of this condition, where the fourth and fifth fingers are most severely impacted. Therefore, it is accurate to state that the fourth and fifth digits are the most commonly affected in Dupuytren's Contracture.