A report from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has linked the development of Dupytren’s contracture to genes acquired from Neanderthal man. Dupytren’s contracture represents an abnormal thickening of fascia on the palm of the hand. It generally affects the ring and little fingers and may eventually create a thick cord that pull the fingers into a bent position. The condition is more common in men than women and tends to run in families. The disease is predominantly one of men in Northern Europe and those with European ancestry.