Hi all,

Thank you for your help in advance. I have had a contracture for about 10 years, and it has really started to curl in the past 1 or 2. The joint in question is my right pinky PIP joint, and is currently contracted about 55 degrees. I have seen two surgeons thus far, and both have suggested Open Fascietomy.

I am concerned about this for a few reasons: cost and complications. Even with good insurance, the surgery will probably end up costing me 2-3 thousand dollars. I also don't want to end up with a hand that is less useful than it is now.

Should I just go with the surgery, or is NA or Collagenase a viable option for a 55 degree contraction of the pinky PIP joint?

Thanks,
Ken

newman:

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Hi Ken I note that you are very young having had Dupuytren's for 10 Years. I would certainly not have surgery at this stage. I've had many surgeries including 4 skin grafts. Unfortunately the younger you are when diagnosed is a factor that you may develop the disease in an aggressive form. In my case I believe that each surgery started the clock ticking towards the next surgery.
The pip joint can be difficult to treat and I would suggest PNF (NA) in the first instant ,which can be tried again. Have you checked out your feet for Ledderhose? Any knuckle pads on the rear of the joints? These are contributing factors . Don't let the surgeons tell you that surgery if the way to go. Seek out a hand surgeon who has performed PNF.