Dupuytren's contracture. Hand of a patient with Dupuytren's contracture, a disorder that causes one or more fingers to become fixed in a bent position. It occurs when tissue in the palm of the hand thickens and shortens, preventing the tendons attached to the fingers from moving freely. It is a painless condition that progresses slowly. The cause is not known, but risk factors include a family history of the disorder, alcoholism and diabetes. Severe contracture can be corrected with surgery.