Hi Callie,

the success of RT strongly depends on the disease stage. The further the disease has progressed the less is RT successful. Even with not contracted fingers the success rate is not 100 percent. Betz et al http://www.dupuytren-online.de/downloads...trens_Betz2.PDF report in a 12 year follow-up success rates (success = stable or remission) of
Stage N = 87 % (just nodules, no extension deficit)
Stage N/I = 70 % (max 5 deg extension deficit)
Stage I = 38 % (max 45 deg extension deficit)
Stage II = 14 % (max 90 deg extension deficit)

When evaluatting the success of RT you definitely require a control group, otherwise you wouldn't be able to tell whether the untreated condition would have been any worse. The results of Seegenschmiedt et al. in chapter 44 of the recent book on Dupuytren's Disease http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-...22&locus=33 therefore include comparison to an untreated control group.

Wolfgang

callie:

---

Has RT ever failed? I am still troubled by people reporting excellent results. If I would have had RT in my right hand 15 years ago I would have been screaming from the highest mountain about how successful it was 15 years later, that "RT stopped the progression". Well, I didn't have RT 15 years ago and my Dupuytren's in my right hand has not advanced any. It is exactly as it was 15 years ago. This occurred at the same time my left hand (little finger) contracted to 90 degrees. My two hands were parallel in progression, one stopped and one continued to progress.

My question is, "how is the unknown progression figured into the endorsement of RT?"

Hi All
Thanks again for your responses.
Newman, I have tried to contact Dr Harper in Perth four times with no success.You wouldn't believe it but the secretary/nurse will not allow me to speak to him or to get his email address. Her continuous response was to get a referral and to come to Perth (from Brisbane). I said I would be happy to do that if she could just pass on my history (or allow me to do the same by email) so that the doctor could confirm whether I am a possible candidate......all to no avail.
I have had better luck sending info to Dr Borg in Adelaide. I am waiting for a response from him. Newman, can you tell me your experiences with him? Have you been treated with RT by him? If so When? How experienced is he with Dups and LD patients? My Brisbane RT option has only had 3 experiences with Dups... Not sure if I want to put my 15 nodules (and counting) in his care.
I would also be interested in hearing the order and timing of your treatment since contracting Dups (both surgery and RT). I know it's not a useful habit but I can't stop being fearful of the long term outcomes of have an aggressive for of these diseases.
Thanks Wolfgang, I believe your approach is my best option. I hope Dr Borg comes through or it may be off to Hamburg to see Dr Seegenschmiedt.

AB

Hi Larry,
I'm certainly looking very seriously at Hamburg, and if I'm not convinced of Dr Borgs creds I will need to bite the bullet and go. There are significant cost and time constraints in going to Germany ( posssibly up to $9000 difference as our insurances will not cover overseas doctors). I'm hoping Newman or some other informed reader may be able to give more info on Borg, and I will be giving him the 'third degree'. If he is a true professional and has researched and used Seegenscmiedt's protocols and has reasonable experience, Australians like myself will need a "Seegenscmiedt" here in Australia during our lifetimes.
Thanks Again
AB

Hi Wolfgang
Are you calculating for two trips to Germany with work on both hands and both feet?
Do you know if it would be possible to have the second round of treatments back here in Aus if Seegenscmiedt provided a 'template' for the work required? I have posed this question to him but am yet to receive a reply. (not like him at all )
I saw on a thread you reminded a NZ guy he could get his work done in Hamilton rather than travel to Germany. I take it that the "expertise " is required in choosing which nodules etc need immediate attention, but that the actual RT treatment is not that complex in its delivery.

AB

Hi Anthony
Firstly I suggest typing in search box at the top of the page -Type' Dr Borg Australia' this will bring up many previous posts. As mentioned in previous posting I live in Adelaide and personally met Dr Borg who has an interest in treating Non Malignant Disorders .I found him to be a very sincere person . Do a Google Search on him.
For information I received RT in Germany back in 07 after a repeat surgery . Dr Borg informed me had been treating Dups/Ledderhose for many years using the recommended protocol of Prof. Seegenschmiedt. I made the approach for him to list on the Internation Dupuytren Society .After my approach he purchased the book written by Seegenschmiedt and others. You will also see in your searches , mentioned in postings ,that Dr Greg Wheeler in Peter Mac Hosp. Victoria has treated Dups. There is lots of reading to help you with your decision . Regards.

Edited 01/21/12 18:36