Dupuytren Disease Group

Welcome to the FESSH Dupuytren Disease Group

Advancing Knowledge, Collaboration, and Care in Dupuytren Disease

Dupuytren disease is one of the most prevalent hand surgical conditions, primarily affecting the elderly. It is a progressive disorder that can lead to disabling flexion contractures of the fingers—and currently, there is no cure.

The FESSH Dupuytren Disease Group is dedicated to the comprehensive study and understanding of all aspects of Dupuytren disease (DD). Our mission is to foster collaboration, deepen scientific knowledge, and support the development of specialized treatment approaches for this complex condition.

Why We Exist

Dupuytren disease presents unique challenges that demand specialized expertise. Our group was formed to:

Promote research and innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of DD.
Provide a platform for knowledge exchange among professionals.
Encourage collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders.

Our Origins

Inspired by the success of the 4th International Dupuytren Conference, held on May 16-17, 2025 in Brussels and patronized by FESSH,
the Dupuytren Disease Group was initiated by the Scientific Committee of the Conference within the Relationship Committee of FESSH.
The group was officially inaugurated at the FESSH Congress in Helsinki.

Looking Ahead

We are proud to support the upcoming 5th International Dupuytren Conference, anticipated in 2030—most likely to be held in Oxford, UK.
This event will continue our tradition of fostering global dialogue and innovation in Dupuytren disease research and care.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or healthcare professional, we invite you to connect with us.
Together, we can shape the future of Dupuytren disease treatment and improve the lives of those affected.

The FESSH Dupuytren Group is an open and inclusive community, accessible to hand surgeons, researchers,
and therapists affiliated with National Society members of FESSH and EFSHT—and even beyond.
Our goal is to foster the exchange of knowledge, spark collaborative research, and promote education in the field of Dupuytren disease.

You can join our specialty group by contacting us at dupuytrengroup@fessh.com or reaching out to any of the group leaders listed below.
As a member, you’ll gain access to:

Group discussions and expert forums
Invitations to webinars and teaching opportunities
Updates on upcoming meetings and conferences

We maintain close contact with patient organizations, ensuring that our work remains aligned with the needs and wishes of patients.
Our mission is to advance the subspecialty through collaboration, education, and innovation.

Have questions or suggestions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

Group chair and founding members

Group leader

Ilse Degreef, Belgium

Prof. Dr. Ilse Degreef is an orthopedic hand surgeon and full professor at KU Leuven, with a particular focus on Dupuytren disease. As clinical head of the hand center within the orthopedic department at Leuven University Hospitals, she combines clinical care with cutting-edge research to improve outcomes for patients affected by this complex condition. Her academic work includes over 100 scientific publications and a dedicated research program supported by a national FWO grant. Her mission is to deepen our understanding of Dupuytren disease and translate research into better, more personalized treatments.

Active group members of national society members FESSH

Paul Werker, The Netherlands

Prof. Paul Werker is the Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery of the University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands. We specifically honour his continuous interest in researching Dupuytren Disease and its treatment, taking the lead in hosting of the International Dupuytren Conference 2015 in Groningen, editing of several books on Dupuytren Disease, and his ongoing support of the Dutch Dupuytren Society.

Dominic Furniss, UK

Prof. Dominic Furniss is a full Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at NDORMS, University Oxford, UK, researched into the molecular genetics of Dupuytren Disease, contributing to the landmark publication on Dupuytren Disease genetics in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellowship. His group studies the molecular and cellular basis of Dupuytren’s, with a view towards creating new treatments. He is organizing the International virtual symposium on Dupuytren Disease in 2021 as well as the forthcoming International Conference.

Affiliated international group members

Charles Eaton, USA

Dr. Charles Eaton is a triple board-certified hand surgeon with extensive Dupuytren experience. He established the Dupuytren Foundation in 2008 and has continued as Executive Director through its transition to the Dupuytren Research Group. Dr. Eaton has Dupuytren disease. He closed his clinical practice in 2012. He serves on advisory boards of the International, British and Canadian Dupuytren societies.

David O’Gorman, Canada

David is a Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Western University in Ontario, Canada. His doctoral training was completed at the University of Sydney in Australia, and he moved to Ontario, Canada to compete his postdoctoral training in 2001. David has focussed his research program on Dupuytren Disease cell biology and biochemistry since 2005 at the Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb centre.

Anna Schurer, chair of The British Dupuytren’s Society

Retired veterinarian Anna became involved with the British Dupuytren’s Society in 2011 and became chair in 2014. She has Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose disease and has had two operations on her right hand. Both her parents also had Dupuytren’s, and her father had several procedures for it. Anna has been involved in the Society from the start and is one of the founders, and she has worked with the International Dupuytren Society and with NICE on patient issues.