Five Surprising Facts About Viking Hand Disorder

Dupuytren’s contracture is a medical condition where the finger starts to be bent towards the palm. You probably might never have heard of it but may have heard of people suffering from it. Here are some interesting Viking hand disorder facts.

Viking hand disorder

It’s named after Napoleon’s hemorrhoid doctor.

Dupuytren’s contracture comes from the doctor who wrote about it in a medical journal: Baron Guillaume Dupuytren was known for treating Napoleon Bonaparte for hemorrhoids. He also termed 11 other medical things, from instruments to diseases. But it’s Dupuytren’s Contracture that has lived on.

Celebrities like Ronald Reagan had it.

Former President Ronald Reagan, Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had this disease. Classical pianist Misha Dichter had Dupuytren’s contracture treated surgically, allowing him to return to performing.

The early Vikings helped spread it.

Dupuytren’s is known as Viking hand disorder because of its prevalence in Northern European countries. Studies show that today 30% of the population older than 60 has it in Norway and 7% in Iceland. However, the disease is also found on other continents and in mummified Egyptians that predate the Vikings. 

Though there is no proven treatment, a few effective treatments help cure the early sign of this disease. Dupuytren’s Wand is one such effective tool. Visit our website for better assistance!

Leave a comment