Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

duodenum
The first part of the small intestine.
The duodenum is a common site for peptic ulcer
formation.
duplication, chromosome
The addition of part
of another chromosome to a chromosome. This is a
common cause of genetic disease. The opposite of
deletion.
Dupuytren’s contracture
A localized formation
of scar tissue in the palm of the hand within a tissue
(fascia) beneath the skin of the palm that normally
covers the tendons that pull the fingers into a grip.
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Dupuytren’s contracture
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As Dupuytren’s contracture progresses, more of the
fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling
and puckering of the skin over the area eventually
occur. The precise cause of Dupuytren’s contracture
is not known. Causes include diabetes mellitus,
seizure disorders (epilepsy), and alcoholism. It also
can be inherited. Most patients with Dupuytren’s
contracture require only stretching exercises with
heat application. When the palm is persistently sore
with grasping, ultrasound treatments can be helpful.
Sometimes local inflammation can be relieved with
cortisone injection. For patients with significant
fixed flexed posture (contracture) of the fingers
from Dupuytren’s contracture, surgical procedures
can remove the scarred tissue to free the fingers.
dura mater
The outermost and most fibrous of
the three membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mem-
brane, and pia mater) covering the brain and the
spinal cord.
durable power of attorney
A type of advance
medical directive in which legal documents provide
the power of attorney to another person in the case
of an incapacitating medical condition. A durable
power of attorney allows another person to make
bank transactions, sign Social Security checks,
apply for disability, or write checks to pay utility bills
while an individual is medically incapacitated. Such
documents are recommended for any patient who
may be unable to make his or her wishes known
during a long medical confinement.