Unfolding bent fingers: New handiwork for bacteria.

This article discusses the use of an enzyme produced by Clostridium histolyticum in the treatment of a common disabling hand condition called Dupuytren's contracture. It examines how the process affects tissues in the palm of the hand. It identifies several risk factors of the condition, including advancing age, smoking, alcohol use and diabetes. The decision of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve collagenase C. histolyticum to treat the condition is noted.