Dupuytren’s Contracture and Plantar Fibromatosis

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

Robi, most parents hold the deep, unquestioned belief that over the next several years we will watch our children grow ever more independent and more mobile as they walk out of our homes into the world beyond. This poignant, long departure that begins at the moment of birth provides a bittersweet backdrop to the many wonderful moments when our children are young.

How jarring, how deeply wrong, it must feel for you to be told that your teenage daughter is going to become progressively less mobile, will soon be wheelchair bound for life, and — at the time she is becoming an adult woman — needs to be cared for at a hospital for crippled children! You are in a discouraging and bewildering situation. Let me tell you what I know of her condition. I’m sorry that you both have to face this, but there is hope with the treatment options now available.

The Role of Palmar Dascia and Plantar Fascia

In the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet, we each have a tough fibrous layer called fascia (the palmar fascia and plantar fascia, respectively). In Dupuytren’s contracture (pronounced du-pwe-trahns), one or both of these fibrous layers begins to grow awry. In palmar fibromatosis (“classic” Dupuytren’s contracture) the palmar fascia slowly begins to thicken, and then shorten. The fingers are relentlessly drawn inward into a rigid, misbegotten fist. As flexibility slips away, so does the useful functioning of the hand. In plantar fibromatosis, this same relentless shortening happens in the soles of the feet, drawing the toes downward, folding the feet into a frozen fist, and making it impossible to walk. The foot version is much less common. Either way, untreated Dupuytren’s contracture can be a crippling disease.

Dupuytren’s contracture was first described by Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, a celebrated French surgeon of the early 1800’s who was apparently successful with the surgical treatment of this condition. By carefully cutting the involved fascia he was able to achieve good results — for a while. Whatever had caused the fascia to grow incorrectly before, caused the regrowing fascia to eventually shorten and thicken as well. Thus, for over 100 years the condition was thought to be relentlessly progressive. We now know that it can follow many courses, from quite mild to very severe. There are also more effective treatment options than ever before, and there is real reason to have hope for Jaymie.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a genetic condition that is passed as a dominant trait with “variable penetrance.” This means that, if it runs on your side of the family, it is present in someone in every generation, although it may be so mild as to go unnoticed. Either you or her father must have it, Robi, and one of your parents must have it as well — although neither of you may ever have any symptoms from it at all. Whoever carries this gene will pass it along to about half of his or her offspring.

Dupuytren’s Contracture and Genetics

The real problem in Dupuytren’s contracture is with the DNA in the cells of the fascia. DNA provides the blueprint that instructs the fascia how to grow. Fascial cells with abnormal DNA will eventually produce abnormal fibrous tissue time and time again. Really, then, Dupuytren’s contracture may be classified as a benign tumor of the fascia. I expect that gene therapy will be developed during Jaymie’s lifetime that will correct the root problem and make treatment effective and permanent.

Surgical Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Already, today’s surgical techniques provide better treatment than ever before. By means of electron microscopy and DNA analysis, physicians can differentiate between normal fascia and normal-appearing fascia that will one day cause trouble. By carefully removing all of the involved plantar fascia with a wide margin of normal fascia, surgeons at Brown University have had excellent results in treating plantar fibromatosis (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Feb 1989). Since 1989, other surgical techniques have been developed with positive results. If and when Jaymie undergoes surgery, I would insist on a team with experience treating her condition.

The continuous elongation technique, pioneered by Doctors Messina and Messina of Turin, Italy, is a more recent development in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture that appears to further enhance both short- and long-term results (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Jul 1993). Here, a device is affixed to a bone in the hand or foot to provide a steady, painless stretching of the contracting fascia. This preparatory step is used in severe Dupuytren’s contracture before excision of the affected fascia (Journal of Hand Surgery, Jun 1996).

A fortuitous observation gave rise to another line of therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture: the contracture tends not to recur beneath a skin graft! (This suggests to me that the DNA of the overlying skin may be involved somehow in the condition). In those patients with a strong inherited tendency to the production of Dupuytren’s contracture, recurrence may occur or even be anticipated, and the placement of a skin graft strategically at a flexion crease is shown to act as a ‘firebreak’ between areas of potential flare-up of recurrent Dupuytren’s disease. These skin grafts (also called ‘Firebreak’ grafts) are now in use as a means of controlling recurrent Dupuytren’s disease (Australia and New Zealand Journal of Surgery, Jun 1984).

Nonsurgical Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture

The nonsurgical treatments, radiotherapy and injections of superoxide dismutase, have now been shown not to work. But high potency topical steroid ointments may be of some benefit (Lancet, Aug 1993). On the theory that the DNA damage may be the result of an auto-immune problem (i.e. her body’s immune system is attacking her own fascia), clobetasol ointment has been massaged into the skin above contractures, apparently halting, or at least stalling, the progression of the disease. Recent studies using collagenase injections have been promising (Journal of Hand Surgery, July-Aug 2007).

Dupuytren’s contracture is usually thought of as a disease of the elderly. The condition is very rare in children. In fact, the report on largest grouping of these children that I am familiar with appeared in the Journal of Hand Surgery (February 1996). It described only 9 children (all of whom, by the way, were treated with surgery by age 14).

With most of the questions I receive, I have at least some firsthand knowledge of the condition, either from medical school, residency, or pediatric practice. I have never met a child with Dupuytren’s contracture, and my knowledge is limited to what I have read and learned in lectures.

I was able to find in the National Library of Medicine database 199 articles on Dupuytren’s contractures. I reviewed all of these for which abstracts (in English) were available, and have passed along the highlights to you. You can find citations for all of the articles at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/index.html

It is my hope that physicians with direct knowledge of this condition will share their experience with us, and I will be sure to pass along to you anything I receive.

I also hope that this information at least gets you started on the path out of your bewildering situation. The future is not at all clear. The images of your child, wheelchair bound for life, may well not be real. This will likely be a long battle, but a combination of contracture release surgery, continuous stretching, firebreak grafts, and perhaps some topical medicines, holds some real promise. And over the next decade, genetic treatment of the underlying problem may powerfully and effectively correct Jaymie’s underlying condition.

All the best,

Note: We received a helpful letter from a reader here at drgreene.com who wished to pass on some information about a new minimally invasive surgery for Dupuytren’s Contracture called “needle aponevrotomy” or “needle fasciotomy”. This is not a pediatric surgery, however if you are interested you can learn more about the surgery at www.dupuytrenscenter.com.

Photo credit: Tatiana Chekryzhova

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

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  1. Shelly K. Stalnaker

    Dr. Greene,

    My husband, now 65 years old, has had 5 surgeries including joint replacement in both hands for Dupuytren’s Contracture (DC), since he was young. The pictures illustrating severe cases mirror my husbands hands. At the timewe were fortunate that a physican specializing in hand surgery was available and conducted all of his hand surgeries. He has since retired.

    However, as the former surgeon indicated, he now has developed DC in under the toes of his feet, drawing his toes downward and very large raised areas on the bottom of both feet, which is what some refer to as Ledderhose and/or Planter Fibromatosis. Both of these have severely affected his balance and ability to stand or walk for long, limiting his mobility and quality of live.

    We have been unable to find anyone in our state, West Virginia, that has seen it or treated it in someone’s feet. No doctor he has seen feels they should treat him, as they have only seen it in textbooks/pictures. It has progressed to the point that he will most likely end up in a wheelchair soon if he doesn’t receive help. He is restricted to riding on a 4 wheeler or Side by Side to enjoy the outdoors that he loves. We also have three grandchildren he would love to enjoy time with outdoors, ages 7, 3 and 3. Can you recommend a doctor to evaluate and treat his need.

    To give you some background, my husband suffered a stroke at the age of 24 due to an AVM in his brain. He fought to walk again and return to work following being paralyzed totally on his left side from the stroke. While we knew he would develop medical issues early which were usually common for older people following his stroke, which he has, he became active again and has enjoyed his life despite his limitations, fighting the odds. Now, I feel without medical assistance he will soon be in a wheelchair. He finally told me about a week ago, if he didn’t get something done with his feet, he thought he was going to need a wheel chair soon. This is a man who never complains and feels he has been blessed despite all he has gone through in his life. He is my wonderful husband of almost 45 years, father and grandfather, please help him, he has suffered enough in his life and wants so much to be able to enjoy his grandchildren.

    For my loving husband,
    Shelly K. Stalnaker

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    • Lori Rustin

      Shelly your husband sounds like a wonderful man and he’s lucky to have you. I don’t know anyone to recommend, but have you called Kent State to ask who they would recommend? Often the nearest academic medical center is a good resource for finding specialists near you.

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  2. Dean David

    I am a 57 year old male in Perth, Australia and have just had collagenase injections in both hands (5 days ago). The painful bits are (1) the local anesthetic going in (4 places, one collagenase vial) and (2) the collagenase acting under the skin over the following 36 hours. All four locations (RH index finger second joint, base of right thumb, centre of left palm for the middle finger and in the left thumb webbing) were then successfully extended with audible snapping of the problem cords. Much more movement across both hands now. I will see how it goes over the next few months. I had a needle aponeuronomy three years ago and it only gave marginal benefits, all of which were gone in about six months. I believe the needle approach has to be too exacting to be successful while the collagenase approach is very general (it attacks all the cords, not just the ones that you think need breaking with a needle) and allows far greater success when extending the digits afterwards. I have only minor pain now (it is Thursday, extensions were done Monday morning) and can type easily and drive a manual car (I think you call it stick!) with only minor discomfort. I also have significant Plantar Fascias in both feet and will be looking at potentially addressing these with collagenase enzyme injections in the future (these are large but not causing any problems at this stage).

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  3. Tom

    My older brother, 70, had successful Dupuytrens surgery for left ring finger in 2015 at 100 degrees. His right hand ring finger is now approaching 60 degrees. His surgeon is very orthodox and doctrinaire regarding treatment options, and recommends only traditional hand surgery.

    I am 63 and have bilateral DC, Ledderhose, peyronies. After an aggressive period of worsening in my hands which began in June 2016 following physical trauma caused by overwork and carelessness, I underwent two needle aponeurotomy procedures in 2017 for my pinky fingers, which has restored basic functionality, despite minor inflammation and stiffness due to arthritis.

    First, my right pinky contracture was reduced from 105 to 25 degrees in one office visit. I wore a splint for several weeks. Not a perfect restoration but all fingers are working well. This is my non-dominant hand so I thought it would be safer to start here first.

    Next, I had to deal with an extreme (stage IV) contracture in my left pinky. Usually the major surgery is performed in extreme cases such as mine. But, after some confirmatory research, I decided to try the needle procedure once again, before the more invasive and dangerous surgery.

    My left pinky underwent needle aponeurotomy from 170 to 35 degrees, which was a remarkable result. There was acute pain for a brief period, and a few hours of soreness but no bleeding, no incisions, no throbbing, and I did not require pain pills. The results exceeded my expectations. It has been a month since my left hand (one office visit) treatment and I am able to type again with all 10 digits, which is a miracle and a blessing. I wear a splint most of the day and at night, which is comfortable, protects my finger from trauma, and maintains the post-treatment results while preventing re-contracture.

    I spoke with my brother and informed him of my progress after 3 months. He is now considering a needle aponeurotomy for his ring finger contracture but is understandably adverse to needles and pain.

    My Dupuytrens seems to be dormant at the current time. If I could impart what I would consider the most useful advice to Dupuytren’s sufferers, it would be to GO EASY on using your hand if it shows a pad, there is any finger contracture, any soreness, stiffness, sharp pains, or itching. Wear gloves whenever practical. Hand-intensive sports, heavy labor, yardwork, and repetitive movements should be avoided or minimized. Be careful not to inadvertently aggravate your Dupuytren’s condition.

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  4. Jeanie

    I am female and 64 years old. In the last year I have realized my feet have nodules which make my toes on left foot feel like they are broken. The right foot is now having symptoms also. I’ve been on the vitamin E. Heard that it helped. Have left hand issues too. All of these problems have arisen in the last year. Just went to Dr. He mentioned shots or maybe radiation. Has anyone had this erupt so quickly. I have always worked hard and love being physically active. I do not plan to change. Anyone with any ideas?

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    • Mary

      Hi Jeanie,

      I have the same thing. Two bumps on my left foot came quickly last year. And just this month, two bumps appeared on my left hand. I am just researching now, I am 54 and wondering how it will progress, if it is indeed dupuytrens, and if I need to get medical advice.

      Mary

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      • Donna Cottingham

        Hand surgery was only mildly successful for me. I also went through low dose radiation which is fairly new here but common in Europe for treatment of Dupuytrens. It helped to stop or slow the aggressive debilitation in both hands. I had hoped radiation would help my feet as well but the problems in my feet are too advanced. Studies show low dose radiation is beneficial in about 80% of cases. I wish I had known about this before surgery. Prior to surgery my pinky was frozen closed. After surgery it is frozen open & does not bend.

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  5. Frank wheeler

    I am a 67 year old man with very bad Dupuytren’s in both hands,3 fingers each hand,the index fingers a not affected A few years ago I had surgery on my left pinky within a few months it was worse than ever.Iately I have been getting pain in the soles of my feet, if this is related to Dupuytren’s is there anything that can be done at my age.

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  6. Brenda Fortner

    For foot or hand disease which is called Ledderhose/Plantarfibromatosis/plantar fibromas or Dupuytrens/Palmarfibromatosis/palmar fibromas join our Facebook forum called DART-Dupuytrens Advocates for Radiation Therapy. We discuss with forum physicians treating our disease with low dose radiation. We have over 800 members and many of us, including me have been successfully treated. We are a worldwide forum and invite you to join us. Find us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1622748151282109/

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    • Marilyn Pittman

      I have both hand and feet contracture. I tried to join group but was unable to. Please advise.

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  7. Becky Mitchell

    Thank you Dr Greene for the wonderful information about Dupuytens contractor. The thing that frustrates me the most is that much information out there says that it is not painful. That is just not true for everyone.

    I’m 53 and I started getting lumps in my hands around 40. I knew what it was because my grandfather, father, and brother had it. My brothers was the worst. He had surgery which helped for less than 24 hrs. He eventually had his pinky amputated, after getting his hand stuck in a saw. I know my brother’s was painful.

    Another reader mentioned itching. That’s the first discomfort I experienced. But now, I get pain when using a hammer or pliers. My grip strength is very weak. Mine has advanced 4 fold in just a year. Should I expect it to continue to advance further at this rate? And secondly do you think that the skin graft would help me at this point?

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    • A. Richards

      Right hand ring finger ,Dp contracture fasciitis please explain the operation procedure with skin graft to me (any complications or obvious limitations

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  8. Darla Ortiz

    What about immune modulaters?

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  9. Denise Brown

    I have Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose. I find the Coffee Talks at DDSG, Dupuytren’s Disease Support Group, a closed Facebook group so helpful. They have had Doctors host these talks where you can ask the doctor a question and get a reply. The members are like family with tons of experience ranging from dormant and on hold, radiation therapy, NA, Xiaflex, surgery, and amputation. The goal of the group is advocacy and global awareness so we can push for more treatment options and maybe a cure one day.

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  10. Dave Reifsnyder

    Started in my hands about 20 years ago – both ring fingers, but I got it to subside by doing an exercise where I simply opened my whole hand as wide as I could about fifty times a day. I still do this and I have visible swelling and I guess scarring beneath my skin, but no pain and pretty much full function as long as I keep up with the stretching exercise. I also have it in my feet, which has been more of a problem – lots of pain and swelling comes and goes. The treadmill seems to helpp keep the swelling and pain down. Tried Verapamil ointment for one year on my foot nodules but it did little to nothing. I also feel like I’m getting effects in my ankles and lower legs, but that doesn’t seem consistent with the descriptions of the condition.

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    • AJ Whitehead

      My father had dupuytren’s in his right hand but was nev <. Just told today I have it in my hand. But since 2010 I have had trouble with my feet. Told by 7 Dr's it is plantar facsiitis. I have nodules in my arches. ..no relief from splints and steriods and injections, orthodics and once a cast for a month. I read about yours spreading to ankles and legs. Mine is doing the same thing and feel wooden . Numbness and toes are hsmmering. One arch itches all day extreme at times. Now I wonder if this is what is wrong with my feet.
      .

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    • AJ Whitehead

      My father had dupuytren’s in his right hand but was never treated. Just told today I have it in my hand. But since 2010 I have had trouble with my feet. Told by 7 Dr’s it is plantar facsiitis. I have nodules in my arches. ..no relief from splints and steriods and injections, orthodics and once a cast for a month. My toes and feet are drawing. I am a 71 yr old female

      I read about yours spreading to ankles and legs. Mine is doing the same thing and feel wooden . Numbness and toes are hammering. One arch itches all day extreme at times. Now I wonder if this is what is wrong with my feet.
      .

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    • keith howlett

      Would like to thank Dave Reifsnyder for his supportive post. I too believe that constant stretching of the fingers strengthens the muscle tissue in the upper arms that controls the backward movement of the fingers, which otherwise get weak as finger contractions progress. The muscles for the little fingers are particularly sensitive/weak (and I understand are separate from the muscles controlling the middle 3 fingers).

      I have had problems in both hands since the age of 25, possibly from excessive piano playing or unreasonably cold living conditions as a child in northern England, and have had several surgical procedures, including metal splints in the small bone of my little finger, and also Xiapex. Recurrence happens more or less quickly over 2-5/10 years, in particular with Xiapex.

      Suspecting that most specialist medical practitioners are at heart surgeons, there is little serious discussion that recurrence is the result of the lower elasticity of the internal collagen scar tissue formed after invasive surgery or Xiapex chemical damage, which can only be halted by strengthening the muscles which open the fingers and stretch the collagen scar tissue.

      Having decided to try the exercise regime as Dave mentions, my 90degree contraction is now, after 2 weeks, only 70degrees, so I will definitely continue. Perhaps the finger will never become straight, but most importantly it will not curl up further. Finger stretching can become an automatic, and not onerous, exercise throughout the day, but probably many out of laziness or lack of respect for their bodies take the advice of surgeons and do not consider the long-term damage to their hands caused by the knife.

      Keith Howlett (age 69)

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    • Thomas Fieselmann

      Thanks, Dave, for mentioning the stretching exercises! I was diagnosed just a few weeks ago, and started doing just what you mentioned while wondering if it was a good thing to do – or not. Good to read that it has subsided, as you say, and that full function continues even 20 years later. I’ll keep it up and mention it to the doc and see what he says…

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  11. Norm Halverson

    left ring and pinky about 10%, pain at base of ring,started about 5 .years ago (I am 73, scandanavian, do not know if father, or mother had it). some stiffness begining in right digits (all). have begun dmso and e protocol. will add serrapeptase when I find right product. and am designing a night time glove with builtin splints.. will keep the forum updated monthly.

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      • Maree

        I have a plantar fibromatoisi on my right foot my doctor said it never happens in both feet but after ready this I am not so sure I had never heard of this and I was told there was no treatment because it always grows back. I was also told it was in the genes and can skip generations. My mum just told me my dad had it in his had and had it cut out and never had a problem after that he died at 87 . I would really like to keep in touch as some doctors might not know as much as I think.

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        • Linda Craig

          I have plantar fibromatosis in right foot also but I think it is starting in left one too

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  12. Keith Allardice

    I have had the disease in my right hand for about 7 years. It’s fairly advanced with my ring finger & pinkie about 30 deg down with the hand outstretched. The only discomfort is itchiness and stiffness in Winter. My elder brother has it & my father & grandfather had it. All untreated. My grandfather was born in Scotland. My condition does not affect my golf ( I think!!)
    Keith Allardice, Cape Town, SA.

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    • Christophermulle@me.com

      Love to join
      Had for 45 years in hands and feet. Two surgeries hands at cedars/second completely botched at Glendale Adventist.
      Feet now really bad..don’t know what to do; also had needle procedure at ucla for hand/ very painful and produced no results !!

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  13. Bonnie Overby

    I am 51 yrs old and both my hands are affected with Dupytren’s as was my father and several of my siblings. I recently learned this can affect the feet and I am sure I also have this in my feet. I also have a neuropathy on the inside of my lower legs starting in my ankles and I am wondering if plantar fibromatosis could be responsible for this neuropathy?

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  14. Elizabeth Campbell

    Regarding radiotherapy, many people with Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose are finding that this is the best possible treatment. Do please consider joining the Facebook group ‘DART’ (Dupuytren’s Advocate’s for Radio Therapy). The group consists of lay people (patients) and doctors.

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  15. Jose Vazquez

    Dr.Greene, I’m a ,50 yld. Disable veteran, I have two lumps I’m my right hand and three on my left hand at the palm both,no pain at all,also I have one lump on each foot this one cause me a lot of pain more at right foot than left,also seems like still growing, right is bigger than left and the pain some time won’t leave sleep some time. What can I do to get some relieve? I’m desperate! Thanks for any advice provided.

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  16. james moriarty

    I am a mailman, 50 yrs old, and have had the lump in the middle of my right hand for a couple of years. No pain, no contracture of the hand, and am an avid golfer. After a round today, noticed 2 similar lumps in the bottom of left foot, also with no pain. Any advice?

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    • Stuart

      My hands have seriously contracted over the years. But my feet when they started, well over ten years ago, to get the knots along the big tendon really bothered me. I did start wearing very strong arch supports for my very high arches. Pretty soon afterwords they quit bothering me and quit getting larger. (and they were pretty big too) It took quite a few years but they are nearly completely gone and do not bother me. I continue to wear arch support always and have no issues with my feet. I used to get the heel pain also back then.
      Wish I could have such success with my hands! They continue to get worse.

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