Knuckle Pads

Back

Background

A clinical diagnosis, knuckle pads are benign well-circumscribed smooth, firm papules, nodules, or plaques. They typically are asymptomatic and overlie the joints on the dorsal hands; the thumbs and toes are less often involved. The name knuckle pad would seem to be a misnomer because in most reported cases, lesions occur over the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints rather than over the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, better known as the knuckles.

Garrod first described knuckle pads in the medical literature in 1893.[1] However, knuckle pads have been observed since the Renaissance era; Michelangelo's statue of David demonstrates knuckle pads (Florence, Italy) as do his statues of Moses (Rome, Italy), Victory (Florence, Italy), and Giuliano de Medici (Rome, Italy).[2]

Pathophysiology

Knuckle pads may be idiopathic or inherited as part of autosomal dominant conditions such as Bart-Pumphrey syndrome and Dupuytren contracture. Similar to calluses, acquired forms are often a response to repetitive trauma and friction; many authors designate these lesions pseudo-knuckle pads.[3]

Etiology

Knuckle pads may be idiopathic; however, they are often of the pseudo-knuckle pad variety and related to repetitive trauma . Predisoposing work-related trauma with repeated motions or rubbing of the PIP joints or knuckles, as seen in live-chicken hangers in a poultry processing plant,[4] has been reported. Athletes, such as boxers, have been known to traumatize their knuckles and fingers in a repetitive fashion, causing knuckle pads.[5, 6] Surfers have developed "surfer's knots" from repeated friction between the surfboard and the body part exposed to the repeated trauma.[7] A few cases involving the toes have been reported; these cases were thought to be sequelae of ill-fitting shoes.

Psychologically disturbed children who bite and suck their fingers cause thickenings that resemble knuckle pads to occur in the skin in the traumatized areas. Patients with bulimia who use their knuckles or fingers to induce emesis sometimes develop fibrotic papules resembling knuckle pads.[8]

Some cases of knuckle pads are familial. They have been associated with autosomal dominant palmoplantar keratoderma with and without ichthyosis vulgaris. Knuckle pads were also found in two families with autosomal dominant sensorineural deafness and leukonychia (Bart-Pumphrey syndrome).[9] They have also been reported in pseudoxanthoma elasticum.[10, 11, 12]

Dupuytren disease, Peyronie disease, and Ledderhose disease are at times observed together, and the triad may be associated with knuckle pads.[13, 14, 15] The presence of knuckle pads in the setting of Dupuytren disease has been shown to predict a high genetic risk for Dupuytren diathesis.[16] Of interest, one research group studying Dupuytren disease sought to differentiate dorsal cutaneous pads, typical knuckle pads, from subcutaneous solid tumor–like masses overlying the digital joints coined dorsal Dupuytren nodules. In their study, the prevalence of typical knuckle pads was similar in patients with Dupuytren disease and the healthy population. However, the deeper subcutaneous nodules, dorsal Dupuytren nodules, were found only in the setting of Dupuytren disease.[17]

Knuckle pads have been associated with esophageal cancer,[18] hyperkeratosis,[19] oral leukoplakia,[18] pachyonychia congenita,[20] and clubbed fingers.[21] One case report links phenytoin with polyfibromatosis syndrome.[22] Idiopathic familial association has been described in one case report.[23]

In one study of patients with knuckle pads compared with an age- and sex-matched control group, the frequency of metabolic syndrome was similar, but compared with the control group, more patients with knuckle pads had hypertension and abdominal obesity. A role for insulin resistance and resultant hyperinsulinemia triggering insulinlike growth factor to stimulate keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation was suggested.[24]

Epidemiology

Frequency

Knuckle pads are a common occurrence. Measurement of knuckle pad prevalence is difficult as patients typically are asymptomatic and do not seek medical attention for them. In one epidemiologic study in Norway, roughly 9% of 1871 individuals without Dupuytren disease had knuckle pads; in the study group with Dupuytren disease, the incidence of knuckle pads was much higher.[14]

Race

No racial predilection is associated with knuckle pads.

Sex

In the same Norwegian study group of persons without Dupuytren disease, the incidence of knuckle pads was the same for men and women. However, in the group with Dupuytren disease, 48.7% of men and 33.3% of women had associated knuckle pads.[14]

The sex-based prevalence of trauma-induced pseudo-knuckle pads may depend on the predisposing activity. For example, occupation-associated knuckle pads (pseudo-knuckle pads) have been reported more commonly in the dominant hand of men with more physically demanding occupations.[17]

Age

Knuckle pads can present at any age. They have been reported in young children who bite and suck their fingers.[25] More commonly, knuckle pads are observed in adults older than 40 years.[14]

Prognosis

Little morbidity is associated with knuckle pads as they typically are asymptomatic. Some patients may experience pain and difficulty with hand functioning, including writing, as a result of their condition. Cosmetic issues drive most patients to seek attention for knuckle pads. Spontaneous resolution can occur, especially if an inciting repetitive injury is identified and eliminated. In most cases, knuckle pads persist indefinitely with little change.

History

Firm, skin-colored papules appear sequentially in multiple sites typically overlying the PIP but also the distal interphalangeal (DIP) and/or MCP joints of the hands. Dorsal toes are occasionally involved. Individual lesions enlarge into well-defined plaques and nodules. Complaints of pain and functional impairment of fine motor skills are rare. Cosmetic concerns may be raised. A history of repetitive trauma is often elicited.

Physical Examination

Knuckle pads are well-circumscribed firm dermal papules, nodules, or plaques approximately 0.5-3 cm in size, located on the extensor aspect of the joints of the hands and occasionally on the toes. Lesions may be bilateral, but typically are not symmetrical. If subjected to repetitive injury, knuckle pads may develop over virtually any bony prominence, but the PIP joint area is most commonly affected. See the images below.



View Image

Knuckle pad over the proximal interphalangeal joint.



View Image

Multiple knuckle pads on various joints of the hand.

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies are not helpful in establishing the diagnosis of knuckle pads.

Procedures

A biopsy is indicated if the diagnosis is in doubt.

Histologic Findings

The histology of knuckle pads shows changes in both the epidermis and dermis. Epidermal abnormalities include hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. During the proliferative phase, plumb fibroblasts within loose bands of collagen form an unencapsulated dermal nodule. The fibrotic stage is less cellular, with spindle-shaped fibroblasts and thickened, irregular collagen bundles.[29] In the case of the dorsal nodules of Dupuytren disease, the pathologic findings are similar to those seen in the palmar nodules characteristic of this diathesis.[17]

Medical Care

Neither medical nor surgical interventions for knuckle pads are very effective. Eliminating the source of mechanical or repetitive trauma may improve the lesions. Wearing protective gloves or changing occupation may be necessary. Intralesional injections of corticosteroids or fluorouracil may reduce the size of the lesions.[3] Lesions caused by biting or sucking may require a psychiatrist to treat the underlying psychological problem. A cast or splint placed temporarily on the involved areas of the hand may aid in reducing the lesion. Application of silicone gel sheeting has had limited success.[30] Applications of keratolytics, such as salicylic acid or urea, have helped to soften and even reduce the lesions. Radiation therapy and application of solid carbon dioxide have been reported to be of some help in selected cases.

Surgical Care

Surgical intervention may be indicated if knuckle pads cause a functional problem. Recurrence after surgery is likely, especially if the trauma that caused the initial knuckle pad is not eliminated. Scar or keloid formation may result from surgical intervention. Tendon tethering, another surgical complication, occurs only if the joint space or capsule is accidentally cut with damage to the tendon in the attempt to remove the knuckle pad.[31]

Complications

Complications of knuckle pads occur if surgery is used to remove the lesion. Complications include scar or keloid formation, recurrence, or tendon tethering (see Surgical Care). Most knuckle pads are asymptomatic and require no treatment.

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.

Salicylic acid topical (Dr. Scholl' s)

Clinical Context:  By dissolving the intercellular cement substance, topical salicylic acid produces desquamation of the horny layer of skin, while not affecting structure of viable epidermis.

Urea (Ureacin, Ureaphil, Carmol)

Clinical Context:  Urea promotes hydration and removal of excess keratin in conditions of hyperkeratosis. It is available in 10-50% concentrations.

Class Summary

Keratolytics cause cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate.

Author

Cheryl J Barnes, MD, Dermatologist, McIntosh Clinic, PC

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Loretta S Davis, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editors

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD, Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Gregory J Raugi, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington at Seattle School of Medicine; Chief, Dermatology Section, Primary and Specialty Care Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center of Seattle

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Garrod AE. On an unusual form of nodule upon joints of the fingers. St. Bartholomew's Hosp Rep. 1893. 29:157-161.
  2. Allison JR Jr, Allison JR Sr. Knuckle pads. Arch Dermatol. 1966 Mar. 93(3):311-6. [View Abstract]
  3. Weiss E, Amini S. A novel treatment for knuckle pads with intralesional Fluorouracil. Arch Dermatol. 2007 Nov. 143(11):1458-60. [View Abstract]
  4. Richards TB, Gamble JF, Castellan RM, Mathias CG. Knuckle pads in live-chicken hangers. Contact Dermatitis. 1987 Jul. 17(1):13-6. [View Abstract]
  5. Cohen PR, Eliezri YD, Silvers DN. Athlete's nodules. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991 Feb. 24(2 Pt 1):317-8. [View Abstract]
  6. Kanerva L. Knuckle pads from boxing. Eur J Dermatol. 1998 Jul-Aug. 8(5):359-61. [View Abstract]
  7. Swift S. Surfers' "Knots". JAMA. 1965 Apr 19. 192:223-4. [View Abstract]
  8. Wynn DR, Martin MJ. A physical sign of bulimia. Mayo Clin Proc. 1984 Oct. 59(10):722. [View Abstract]
  9. Bart RS, Pumphrey RE. Knuckle pads, leukonychia and deafness. A dominantly inherited syndrome. N Engl J Med. 1967 Jan 26. 276(4):202-7. [View Abstract]
  10. Stankler L. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum with a knuckle pad on the thumb. Acta Derm Venereol. 1967. 47(4):263-6. [View Abstract]
  11. Codispoti A, Colombo E, Zocchi L, et al. Knuckle pads, in an epidermal palmoplantar keratoderma patient with Keratin 9 R163W transgrediens expression. Eur J Dermatol. 2009 Mar-Apr. 19(2):114-8. [View Abstract]
  12. Du ZF, Wei W, Wang YF, Chen XL, Chen CY, Liu WT, et al. A novel mutation within the 2B rod domain of keratin 9 in a Chinese pedigree with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma combined with knuckle pads and camptodactyly. Eur J Dermatol. 2011 Sep-Oct. 21(5):675-9. [View Abstract]
  13. Lagier R, Meinecke R. Pathology of "knuckle pads". Study of four cases. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histol. 1975. 365(3):185-91. [View Abstract]
  14. Mikkelsen OA. Knuckle pads in Dupuytren's disease. Hand. 1977 Oct. 9(3):301-5. [View Abstract]
  15. Wooldridge WE. Four related fibrosing diseases. When you find one, look for another. Postgrad Med. 1988 Aug. 84(2):269-71, 274. [View Abstract]
  16. Dolmans GH, de Bock GH, Werker PM. Dupuytren diathesis and genetic risk. J Hand Surg Am. 2012 Oct. 37 (10):2106-11. [View Abstract]
  17. Rayan GM, Ali M, Orozco J. Dorsal pads versus nodules in normal population and Dupuytren's disease patients. J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Oct. 35 (10):1571-9. [View Abstract]
  18. Ritter SB, Petersen G. Esophageal cancer, hyperkeratosis, and oral leukoplakia. Occurrence in a 25-year-old woman. JAMA. 1976 Apr 19. 235(16):1723. [View Abstract]
  19. Leonard NJ, Krol AL, Bleoo S, Somerville MJ. Sensorineural hearing loss, striate palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and knuckle pads in a patient with a novel connexin 26 (GJB2) mutation. J Med Genet. 2005 Jan. 42(1):e2. [View Abstract]
  20. Almutawa F, Thusaringam T, Watters K, Gayden T, Jabado N, Sasseville D. Pachyonychia Congenita (K16) with Unusual Features and Good Response to Acitretin. Case Rep Dermatol. 2015 Aug. 7(2):220-6. [View Abstract]
  21. Koba S, Misago N, Narisawa Y. Knuckle pads associated with clubbed fingers. J Dermatol. 2007 Dec. 34(12):838-40. [View Abstract]
  22. Pierard GE, Lapiere CM. Phenytoin dependent fibrosis in polyfibromatosis syndrome. Br J Dermatol. 1979 Mar. 100(3):335-41. [View Abstract]
  23. Hyman CH, Cohen PR. Report of a family with idiopathic knuckle pads and review of idiopathic and disease-associated knuckle pads. Dermatol Online J. 2013 May. 19(5):18177. [View Abstract]
  24. Saylam Kurtipek G, Kutlu O, Duran C, Kurku H, Ataseven A, Tuncez Akyurek F. Frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with knuckle pads. J Dermatol. 2015 Dec. 42 (12):1165-8. [View Abstract]
  25. Paller AS, Hebert AA. Knuckle pads in children. Am J Dis Child. 1986 Sep. 140(9):915-7. [View Abstract]
  26. Glicenstein J, Costa R. [Pachydermodactyly: a report of two cases]. Chir Main. 2004 Aug. 23(4):205-7. [View Abstract]
  27. Verbov J. Letter: Pachydermodactyly: a variant of the true knuckle pad. Arch Dermatol. 1975 Apr. 111(4):524. [View Abstract]
  28. Bettoni L, Bani L, Airò P. Rheumatoid nodules: the importance of a correct differential diagnosis. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Jun. 43(3):95-6. [View Abstract]
  29. Kodama BF, Gentry RH, Fitzpatrick JE. Papules and plaques over the joint spaces. Knuckle pads (heloderma). Arch Dermatol. 1993 Aug. 129 (8):1044-5, 1047. [View Abstract]
  30. Quinn KJ. Silicone gel in scar treatment. Burns Incl Therm Inj. 1987 Oct. 13 Suppl:S33-40. [View Abstract]
  31. Addison A. Knuckle pads causing extensor tendon tethering. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1984 Jan. 66(1):128-30. [View Abstract]

Knuckle pad over the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Multiple knuckle pads on various joints of the hand.

Knuckle pad over the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Multiple knuckle pads on various joints of the hand.