Ledderhose disease

Title

Other Names:

Lederhose disease

Categories:

Rare Cancers; Skin Diseases

Summary Summary

Ledderhose disease is a type of plantar fibromatosis characterized by thickening of the foot's deep connective tissue.^[1] While many individuals with Ledderhose disease do not experience symptoms, over time the condition may progress, causing considerable pain when walking.^[1]^[2] Repeated trauma, long-term alcohol consumption, chronic liver disease, diabetes, and epilepsy have been reported in association with the development of this condition. Heredity is also a clear factor in many patients. Often, patients with Ledderhose disease also have other fibrosing conditions such as Dupuytren contracture, knuckle pads, or Peyronie disease.^[1] The exact prevalence of Ledderhose disease is unknown, with some studies stating it is rare^[3], and others stating it is a common condition.^[1]

Last updated: 2/24/2011

Symptoms Symptoms

The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below.

Signs and Symptoms	Approximate number of patients (when available)
Arthralgia	90%
Lack of skin elasticity	90%
Paresthesia	90%

Last updated: 9/1/2016

Treatment Treatment

There is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific treatment approaches for Ledderhose disease. Initial treatment approach may invovle regular (monthly or less often) glucocorticoid injection and soft shoe inserts with cutouts for the nodules.^[4] Surgery, such as selective fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy, has been used as treatment of people who do not respond to initial therapy. Recurrence following surgery is common.^[4] Collagenase injection is an additional therapy which has been used with variable sucess.^[5]^[6]

Our search identified one case report describing the use of "upper lateral arm flaps" on the feet of two brother's who had multiple recurrences following other procedures.^[7] The reference for this article is provided below.

Kan HJ, Hovius SE. Long-term follow-up of flaps for extensive Dupuytren's and Ledderhose disease in one family. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2012 December;65(12):1741-5.

The International Dupyytren Society provides futher information on treatment options for Ledderhose disease at the following link:
http://www.dupuytren-online.info/ledderhose_therapies.html

We strongly recommend that you review this information with your healthcare providers. Only a healthcare provider can help you make decisions regarding which treatment approach may be best for you.

Last updated: 7/1/2013

Do you have updated information on this condition? Let us know.

Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Ledderhose disease. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
222 S Riverside Plaza
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60606
Toll-free: 800-572-1717
TTY: 1-800-572-1717
E-mail: mda@mdausa.org
Website: http://www.mdausa.org/

Do you know of an organization? Send us your suggestions.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Ledderhose disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

GARD Answers GARD Answers

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

I have Ledderhose disease and Dupuytren's contracture. I also have a family history of these conditions. My condition has worsened despite multiple surgeries. Is there a satisfactory treatment for Ledderhose? See answer
Is there any research being done regarding a possible association between a history of diabetes and a diagnosis of Ledderhose disease? See answer

Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.

References References

Hougeir FG, Mascaro JM. Plantar Fibromatosis. eMedicine. July 12, 2010; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1061903-overview. Accessed 2/17/2011.
Ledderhose's disease. Dupuytren Society. 2011; http://www.dupuytren-online.info/morbus_ledderhose.html. Accessed 1/28/2011.
De Souza DF, Micaelo, L, Cuzzi T, and Ramos-e-Silva M. Ledderhose Disease: An Unusual Presentation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010; 3:45-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945849/?tool=pubmed. Accessed 2/17/2011.
Sheon RP, De Keyser F. Ganglia and nodules. In: Basow DS. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; 2013;
van Rijssen AL Werker PM. Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture; an overview of options. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2009;153:A129; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19857298. Accessed 6/28/2013.
Therapies for Ledderhose's disease (Plantar fibromatosis or Morbus Ledderhose) . International Dupuytren Society. March 29, 2013; http://www.dupuytren-online.info/ledderhose_therapies.html. Accessed 7/1/2013.
Kan HJ, Hovius SE. Long-term follow-up of flaps for extensive Dupuytren's and Ledderhose disease in one family. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2012 Dec;65(12):1741-5; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22917697. Accessed 6/28/2013.
Watt AJ, Curtin CM, Hentz VR. Collagenase injection as nonsurgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease: 8-year follow-up. J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Apr;35(4):534-9, 539.e1; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20353858. Accessed 6/28/2013.