Some observations on knuckle pads.
Although knuckle pads are histologically similar to the palmar nodules in Dupuytren's Disease, they do not produce contraction. By considering the anatomical situation of the knuckle pad overlying the joint line and comparing it with a unique case of a dorsal nodule occurring between the joint lines, an explanation is profferred for this lack of contraction by knuckle pads. That contraction in the extensor mechanism was produced by the nodule between the joint lines is used to support further the "extrinsic" hypothesis of the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's Disease.
D004387:Dupuytren Contracture / Q000209:etiology; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans